Dr C: “Pollution can be deadly, so stay safe”

A nine-year-old girl died of asthma in 2013, now the courts are deciding if pollution killed her. Dr C says it’s a wake-up call

The little girl who sadly died – Ella Kissi-debrah, from Lewisham, south London – lived near one of London’s busiest roads and had Brittle Asthma, which is severe and incredibly difficult to treat. She had attacks all the time, but it’s clear that peaks in pollution brought on severe attacks.

CHANGE YOUR ROUTES

Too much pollution is bad for everyone, as it can be carried deep into the lungs, causing damage, but it’s particularly dangerous for asthma sufferers. Of course, not everyone living in cities can just move to the country, but if you live in a builtup area – like Ella did – making minor adjustments to how you walk through your city can help. Researchers analysed pollution in seven routes in central London. At the exact same time as walking through the main road, they walked down a side street beside it. The average reduction in pollution in the side road was 53%. Your walk to work or school may take a bit longer by taking the parallel street, but it could halve your exposure to pollution. Avoid creepy alleyways, of course, but take safe residential streets.

Download apps [Breezometer], or check Uk-air. defra.gov.uk/forecasting to find out peak pollution times in your area. Then you can plan when to be outside, take the kids to the park or go for a jog. The same applies to allergic asthma, which is triggered by hayfever – check local pollution counts.

REGULARLY SEE THE GP

Asthma kills 1,400 people a year in the UK, so anyone who suffers needs to make sure it’s being monitored and that their medications are up to date. I’m amazed at how many adults muddle along, never seeing their GP, often waiting until they have a severe asthma attack before booking an appointment. I tell my patients with asthma to take it very seriously, never to underestimate how dangerous attacks can be and, if in doubt, to call 999. With asthmatic children, teach them what to do if they have an attack. During an asthma attack, give them their inhaler, sit them up, keep them calm – and call 999. After an attack, go to the GP and ask why you or they had one. Also learn the triggers, from pollution to exercise to pollen.

SPREAD INHALERS

Finally, have inhalers everywhere – at home, at work, in their school bag, in the car, at their best friend’s house and with their teacher. That way, they’ll never be without one. Asthma shouldn’t kill, take it seriously.

Mother wins right to seek new inquest into girl's death linked to air pollution