Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 01 Nov 2024
Rising Delhi-NCR Pollution Increases Nebulizer Use In Children; Ways To Reduce Respiratory Issues
A nebulizer - a small device that converts liquid medication into a mist, allowing it to be inhaled to relieve breathing difficulties is being used on many children
A spike in pollution levels across Delhi-NCR has given rise to the use of nebulizers among children who are having it tough to breathe. Most hospitals are crowded with children struggling to breathe. Many have asthma or pneumonia, conditions that spike as air pollution peaks each winter in the megacity of 30 million people.
Delhi regularly ranks among the most polluted major cities in the world, with factory and vehicle emissions exacerbated by seasonal agricultural fires. According to experts, a nebulizer - a small device that converts liquid medication into a mist, allowing it to be inhaled to relieve breathing difficulties is being used on many children.
Many kids are also suffering from croup - an infection of the upper airway, which becomes narrow, making it harder to breathe. Croup also causes a cough that sounds like barking. According to experts, relief often comes only after bouts of vomiting.
Pollution levels rise across NCR
With winter just around the corner, the thick blanket of smog and pollution that settles over Delhi-NCR makes this season especially challenging. The resurgence of pollutants due to farm fires ahead of the festive season is once again going to make matters worse for children with breathing problems.
Doctors say regular wheezing and croup cough can be brought under control along with the treatment of a variety of lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis with the use of nebulizer.
How does a nebulizer work?
To make proper use of a nebulizer, you can sit with the machine and breathe in the medicine through a connected mouthpiece or facemask. This allows the medicine to enter the lungs directly.
Doctors recommend always taking your medication as prescribed. It is also important to follow your doctor’s directions regarding how and when to use your nebulizer. Using a nebulizer can take around 10-15 minutes. All you need to do is breathe normally.
A few general instructions for using a nebulizer properly, include:
- All your pieces should be clean
- Pour your liquid medication into the medicine cup
- Connect the plastic tubing to the liquid container and compressor
- Attach the mouthpiece or mask
- Turn on the nebulizer to make sure it’s properly misting
- Insert the mouthpiece in your mouth or put the mask securely over your nose and mouth
- Breathe in slowly but normally, until all the medicine is gone
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