Pollution causing allergies

A twenty per cent increase in allergies in children has been noted by paediatricians in the twin cities due to increasing air pollution, rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes, stated experts.

Allergies being noted in children are those of skin, food and asthma. These allergies are due to the exposure of high levels of dust, particulate matter, smoke and also dust mites, both indoor and outdoor.

Dr Suman Kumar, paediatrician and neonatologist at Ankura Hospitals, explained, “The exposure of children to pollutants has increased. They are travelling long distances in school buses and also the schools are on main roads. At the same time, they are in an air-conditioned set up most of the time and this leads to their immunity not being exposed to micro-organisms. When they are not exposed, the body does not know how to fight it. For this reason, we find that children are suffering from allergies.”

The increased incidence is due to large-scale protection where exposure to natural environment for children is minimised. This is not allowing the immune system to act and its suppression is leading to a compromise due to which the infections are lethal and their ability to fight back is low.

Experts state that the problem of pollution merely aggravates in winter but is there throughout the year.

Dr Ramana Prasad, senior pulmonologist at KIMS Hospital explained, “In winter, due to low temperatures and due to the flaring of respiratory disorders, it is being noted. But the fight against pollution has to be round the year. The number of children being affected is high because of multiple factors where lifestyle changes and environmental challenges are making them more susceptible to diseases.”

CHILDREN are travelling long distances in school buses in an air-conditioned set up most of the time and this leads to their immunity not being exposed to micro-organisms

The increased incidence is due to largescale protection where exposure to natural environment for children is minimised