Delhi Pediatrician Links Pollution to Rise in Respiratory Issues

Dr. Dhiren Gupta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital highlights recent increases in respiratory problems among children, partly linked to post-Diwali pollution and ongoing RSV infections.

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Sumit Kumar
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By A Staff Reporter — Delhi: Dr. Dhiren Gupta, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, recently discussed the ongoing health impacts of pollution on children, noting a recent uptick in respiratory issues following Diwali. Dr. Gupta observed that although the respiratory impact from Diwali celebrations typically lasts a few days, the broader issue of air pollution continues to affect children’s health long-term.

"I wouldn’t link it too closely, but during and just after Diwali, for 2-3 days, there were notable instances of children and adults experiencing breathing issues," Dr. Gupta explained. He noted that while the immediate effects of Diwali-related pollution were temporary, the chronic impact of sustained high pollution levels is an ongoing concern.

Adding to this, Dr. Gupta highlighted a recent rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which primarily affects young children but has recently been seen even in children over the age of five. RSV can lead to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and severe respiratory distress, especially in children with pre-existing conditions. The combination of RSV infections and pollution exposure has contributed to the increased strain on children’s respiratory health in Delhi.

Dr. Gupta’s comments come amid growing concerns about Delhi’s air quality, which often deteriorates during the winter months and around festival periods due to a combination of factors, including firecrackers, vehicular emissions, and agricultural burning in surrounding areas. Health experts continue to advise caution, urging parents to monitor children’s symptoms closely and limit outdoor activities on days with poor air quality.