Air pollution is a recurring health concern across Delhi-NCR, particularly during the post-monsoon months when weather conditions can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants. Children and older adults need extra attention during periods of poor air quality, especially if they have asthma, allergies, heart disease or other chronic conditions. Exposure to polluted air may trigger coughing, throat irritation, watery eyes and breathing difficulties, while prolonged exposure can contribute to more serious respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. Dr JK Gupta, a physician at Yatharth Hospital in Noida, has highlighted the importance of taking preventive measures before symptoms become difficult to manage. Checking air quality, limiting outdoor exposure and keeping indoor air cleaner are practical steps families can take to protect vulnerable members.
How Air Pollution Can Affect Health
Polluted air can contain fine particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, which can enter the respiratory system when inhaled. Short-term exposure may cause irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, coughing or breathlessness. People with existing lung or heart conditions may experience worsening symptoms when pollution levels rise.
Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults. Older people may also face greater risks because age-related changes and existing medical conditions can make it harder to cope with respiratory stress. The effects vary from person to person, but reducing exposure is especially important when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
Ways to Protect Children From Polluted Air
1. Limit Outdoor Play When Air Quality Is Poor
Children do not need to stop all outdoor activities throughout the season, but parents should adjust their routines according to local air quality. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before sending children to parks, playgrounds or outdoor sports activities. When pollution levels are high, reduce prolonged outdoor exercise and move playtime indoors where possible. Physical activity increases breathing rates, which can increase the amount of polluted air inhaled.
2. Choose Masks Carefully
If children must go outside during periods of heavy pollution, a well-fitting particulate respirator may help reduce exposure. However, an ordinary cloth or loose-fitting mask may offer limited protection against fine particles. The suitability of respirators depends on the child’s age, fit and ability to use one safely. Follow public health guidance and seek medical advice for very young children or those with breathing conditions. Masks should complement other precautions rather than replace them.
3. Keep Indoor Air Cleaner
Pollution can enter homes from outdoors, while indoor sources can add to the problem. Avoid smoking indoors and minimise smoke from incense, candles and other burning materials. Use kitchen exhaust ventilation when cooking, provided it does not draw in heavily polluted outdoor air. If affordable and suitable for the room, a correctly sized air purifier with an effective particle filter may help reduce indoor particulate pollution. Keep windows closed during severe outdoor pollution, but ventilate when outside air quality improves.
4. Watch for Symptoms in Children
Persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or unusual difficulty breathing should not be dismissed as a minor seasonal allergy. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms continue or worsen. Severe breathing difficulty, bluish lips or unusual drowsiness require urgent medical attention.
How Older Adults Can Reduce Their Exposure
1. Adjust Morning Walks and Exercise
Morning air is not always cleaner than air later in the day. Older adults should check the AQI before going for a walk, practising yoga or exercising outdoors. When pollution is high, moving exercise indoors is generally a better option. Those with heart or lung conditions should follow their clinician’s advice about safe activity levels.
2. Continue Prescribed Medication
People living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease or other long-term conditions should continue taking their prescribed medicines as directed. Do not stop medication or change the dose without consulting a healthcare professional. Keep rescue medication available if it has been prescribed, and follow any existing action plan for worsening symptoms.
3. Wear a Well-Fitting Respirator When Necessary
When going outdoors cannot be avoided, a properly fitted N95 or equivalent particulate respirator can help reduce exposure to fine particles. It should cover both the nose and mouth without large gaps around the edges. Respirators do not eliminate every pollution risk, and people who find them difficult to tolerate because of a medical condition should seek professional advice.
4. Take Breathing and Heart Symptoms Seriously
New or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, faintness or unusual weakness needs prompt medical assessment. Severe chest pain or serious breathing difficulty warrants emergency care. Families should not assume that these symptoms are simply caused by pollution or a routine allergy.
Small Precautions Can Make a Difference
Families cannot control outdoor pollution on their own, but they can reduce avoidable exposure. Checking AQI updates, modifying outdoor routines, keeping indoor spaces as clean as possible and following prescribed treatment can all help. Extra care is particularly important for children and older adults with existing health problems. If concerning symptoms appear, timely medical advice is safer than waiting for the air quality to improve.