Hospitals in Noida and Ghaziabad see rise in paediatric patients due to bad air: Doctors

NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: With the air quality in the region worsening by the day, hospitals in Noida and Ghaziabad are witnessing a rise in the number of paediatric patients complaining of breathing difficulties and persistent cough.
On Wednesday, the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category in both Noida and Ghaziabad. The situation may get worse.
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According to paediatricians, children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
"At least 10-15 patients are coming to us daily with symptoms like sore throat, recurrent cold and difficulty in breathing," said Dr Mayank Saxena, senior consultant, pulmonology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali.
"Parents must persuade their children to avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the bad air days," Saxena advised.
Dr Amit Gupta, head of paediatric and neonatology department, Motherhood Hospital in Noida, added, "Air pollution triggers respiratory problems, including asthma problems, across all age groups, but especially among children. Breathlessness, sneezing and coughing are the common symptoms."
Prerna Singh, a Greater Noida (West) resident, said, "My seven-year-old son currently has a persistent cough. Apart from prescribing medicines, our doctor has told us to limit his outdoor exposure."