Spain is under the effect of a high-intensity anticyclone, with the highest atmospheric pressure of the last four years, which has caused pollution levels to increase greatly in several cities. This has consequences in asthmatic children, who can increase their crises and visits to hospitals if the exposure lengthens over time.
Even air pollution can also influence healthy children, as it can increase the risk of developing certain respiratory allergies, such as asthma, so common in children.
The Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Pediatric Asthma (SEICAP) warns of the consequences of contamination in asthmatic and rhinitis children. The irritation of the airways multiplies and these children notice it a lot.
In 40 municipalities in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, the pollution alert has been activated and Madrid has exceeded the red level of nitrogen oxide contamination. The cold aggravates the situation, and the high levels of diesel in the cities add the highest concentration of mites and fumes in the houses, all of which accentuates the reaction of bronchial tubes already inflamed by asthma.
Children are much more sensitive than adults to pollution and these days characterized by cold, absence of wind and rain, causes the concentration of pollutants to rise to affect them. This translates into the worsening of symptoms such as cough, wheezing, choking or chest tightness that can trigger a severe asthma crisis.
But, Can these effects be prevented? Allergist pediatricians to prevent asthma attacks recommend avoiding triggers, the responsible allergens.
That is: avoid staying for a long time in the most polluted areas, not staying in an environment with smoke, not practicing outdoor activities, using public transportation, and increasing the attention of children with asthma. These must always carry bronchodilators, as it is an ideal rescue treatment in the event of an asthma attack.
Definitely, A lot of attention to children with asthma these days, as pollution aggravates the symptoms and we don't want to take any fright. We hope that the weather conditions improve (and thus the asthma of the little ones) so that the sky of the cities is cleaned and that nobody has to breathe such high levels of pollution.
