Air pollution in this country has recently reached alarming levels, topping the world’s air quality rankings. This has led to a spike in respiratory illnesses among children.
1. Warning about the level of air pollution for children
There has been a significant increase in respiratory illness cases at Ho Chi Minh City’s Children’s Hospital. Many children have presented with sore, red eyes, dry coughs, and itchy skin. Particularly concerning are the rising cases of wheezing, asthma, and bronchitis, with some children requiring emergency treatment and intensive care due to their bodies’ reaction to the polluted air.
According to Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the City’s Children’s Hospital, air pollution, especially fine dust, irritates the upper respiratory tract, causing sneezing, coughing, and runny noses. If it penetrates deeper into the lower respiratory tract, it can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible children.
Additionally, air pollution can irritate the eyes, causing redness, and the skin, resulting in hives, itching, and discomfort.
Over time, fine dust particles can enter the body through the mucous membranes and digestive tract, affecting other organs, including the liver and kidneys, and potentially disrupting the child’s neurological development.
For more information: Parents are encouraged to refer to for additional tips on protecting their children’s health.
2. How to protect your children
To safeguard your children’s health, it is recommended to wear glasses and a mask when going outdoors. Upon returning home, use saline solution to rinse their eyes and noses to remove any accumulated dust and pollutants.
However, given the current high levels of air pollution, it is advisable to limit children’s outdoor exposure during peak hours and avoid non-essential outings.
Common cloth and surgical masks can only filter out larger dust particles, bacteria, and microorganisms, but they are ineffective against fine dust. If you choose to use a mask, opt for a certified type that can filter fine dust particles, as verified by reputable health authorities.
For cloth masks, ensure they are regularly washed and dried to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Children’s Hospital 1, emphasizes the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and adequate sleep in boosting children’s immune systems. He recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants and adequate water intake for older children, along with timely vaccinations and a consistent sleep schedule, ideally before 9 PM.
By following these guidelines, parents can proactively protect their children’s respiratory health and overall well-being.
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