Pediatrician’s tips to protect babies and toddlers from Diwali firecracker air pollution

Children’s developing lungs make them especially vulnerable to festive air pollution—here’s how parents can keep them safe during Diwali and Navratri celebrations. (Image: Pexels)

The festivals are known to add happiness, colour and togetherness in our lives; along with not-so-negligible problems we all face daily which children too fail to escape. With a sky full of fireworks and crackers, it also fills the atmosphere with lots of smoke and harmful particles. This sudden increase in air pollution can have immediate and longer-term effects on health.

Infants and young children are particularly susceptible at this time. Their lungs and immune systems are still developing, unlike adults’, which makes them more vulnerable to polluted air. Even short-term exposure can result in coughing, wheezing, watery eyes or trouble breathing. It may also induce allergies or exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions for some children. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic lung problems.

"Parents should be on high alert during the festival season," Dr Anjali Saxena, Paediatrician at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Malviya Nagar, told Moneycontrol. She says simple preventive measures can go a long way in safeguarding little ones from the ill-effects of cracker smoke.

Also Read: Baby care tips: 7 signs your toddler is happy and healthy

1. They must keep them indoors during peak hours

Maximum air pollution levels occur and persist immediately after firecracker bursts. Keep children indoors, particularly in the evenings, to prevent direct exposure to smoke and particulate matter.

2. Use air purifiers at home

It is worth spending money on a good air purifier to have good-quality indoor air. Position it in your child's room so that they breathe cleaner air, especially when they sleep.

3. Close windows and doors

Close doors and windows during high-cracker times to keep the house from becoming smoky. Thick curtains are also effective at keeping indoor particle pollution low.

Also Read: Type 2 diabetes in kids is on the rise: Here’s what paediatric endocrinology has to say about preventive measures

4. Hydrate

Provide water, breast milk, or other appropriate fluid in abundant quantities. Hydration aids the elimination of toxins in the body and lubrication of airways so that children can manage pollutants with ease.

5. Provide immunity-boosting foods

In toddlers, provide fruits rich in vitamin C (like oranges and guavas) and vegetables rich in antioxidants in their diet. These strengthen the body's own defense system against disease caused by pollution.

6. Refrain from outdoor play for some time

While fresh air is generally a good thing, skip playing outside on heavy-smog days. When children must venture out, try to go in the mornings after rain or on low-pollution days when the air is fresher.

7. Visit a pediatrician for persistent symptoms

If your child gets chronic coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, do not dismiss. Visit a physician as soon as possible since pollution can exacerbate asthma or bronchitis.

Kids and infants are highly susceptible to toxic air, and firecracker smoke is a real health risk for them. Their parents can keep their small children safe by taking precautions, keeping them within the house, providing them with healthy indoor air, and enhancing their immunity, and therefore can celebrate safely in addition to happily.

FAQs on Pediatric Respiratory Care:

1. How can I protect my child from air pollution during festivals?
- Keep children indoors during peak pollution hours, use air purifiers, close windows and doors, keep them hydrated, and provide immunity-boosting foods.

Also Read: Help your child eat well, stay active, and build healthy habits for life

2. What symptoms should I watch for in my child due to pollution exposure?
- Be alert for coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, and breathing difficulties. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

3. Are there specific foods that can help my child combat pollution effects?
- Yes, include fruits rich in vitamin C (like oranges) and vegetables rich in antioxidants in their diet.

4. Should children avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days?
- Yes, it is best to avoid outdoor play on heavy-smog days. If necessary, choose times when pollution levels are lower.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.