Few breaths of fresh air and these days many parents are worried about cough and fear of air pollution due to their children. Dust, smog, vehicle emissions and minute particles in the air can also create inflammation of the respiratory tract and lead to a cough in children. However, not every cough lasting for many days is caused by pollution.

Pollution and coughs Sore throats, sneezing, watering eyes and dry coughs are all symptoms of pollution and tend to be associated with small airborne particles (in particular PM2.5 and PM10). Children’s sore throats, watery eyes, sneezing and dry coughs can all result from being outside, particularly during a period of significant deterioration in air quality. Limiting outdoor exposures and keeping your environment tidy can help minimise exposure to these particles.

Asthma and allergies can cause pollution irritation symptoms. Asthma can appear as frequent wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest, breathlessness often occurring at night time or following sport. Allergies can be similar with cough, but also sneezing, runny nose, red itchy eyes and sore throat. Be aware of pneumonia, as that is an infection of the lung and, although coughing is a possibility, may be also associated with tiredness, fever and rapid breathing.

Parents should not take chances with warning signs like trouble breathing, rapid respiration, chest retraction, having blue color around the lips, having continuous high fever, dehydration, extreme drowsiness. Parents should be alert if the child has trouble in breathing or having bluish color around lips, then the child needs urgent medical attention.

If a child’s cough continues, worsens, persists or prevents your kid from sleeping and carrying out their daily routines, it is best to check a paediatrician. This early assessment helps determine the cause of your child’s cough. Pollution can cause the airways to become irritated but being aware of signs of allergies, asthma and infections is important to keep your kids healthy.