A blanket of pollution and smog has spread across many areas of Delhi-NCR, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 in several locations. This poses a serious threat to the lungs of both adults and children. During this winter season, the combination of pollution and cold air has led to a sharp rise in complaints among children, including coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In light of this, medical experts advise that certain respiratory symptoms should not be ignored during this season.

Doctors note that the lungs of young children are not yet fully developed, making them more susceptible to the effects of pollution. Issues such as nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, and difficulty breathing have become common among young children. According to a report in *Navodaya Times*, experts advise that if a child is coughing persistently, experiencing shortness of breath at night, or feeling chest tightness, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Dr. Kanaram Jat, a pediatrician at AIIMS, explained that breathing in polluted air can cause inflammation in children's lungs. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing asthma. Since young children may not be able to clearly articulate their pain or discomfort, parents should pay close attention to their behavior.

Pay immediate attention to these symptoms
Dr. Kanaram advises that parents should be particularly vigilant if a child shows a lack of interest in play, appears fatigued, becomes irritable, has trouble sleeping, coughs frequently, experiences shortness of breath at night, or complains of chest tightness.

What should parents do?
Doctors recommend minimizing the time children spend outdoors during days with heavy smog. Try to ensure that your child plays indoors rather than in open spaces like parks. While it is true that indoor environments are not entirely free from pollution, you should still strive to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible.

Offer your child warm water, encourage them to inhale steam, and ensure they get plenty of rest. You may try home remedies for a cough or shortness of breath; however, if symptoms persist for more than three to four days, or if the child experiences significant difficulty breathing, seek medical attention at a hospital immediately.

Parents should also ensure that children wear masks whenever they go outside, and avoid taking them to parks or playgrounds when pollution levels are high. With proper care and timely medical intervention, children can be protected from this serious threat. In this season of increasing smog, vigilance is the best precaution.

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