Dr. Indu Khosla, MD (Ped), DCH (Bom), Fellow in Ped Pulmonology (UK) says, "Air pollution is a significant asthma trigger in children. Common asthma triggers associated with air pollution include viral infections, pollen, particulate matter, smoke, dust, black soot, chemical, vehicular emissions. These triggers can irritate and inflame the airways, making breathing difficult for children with asthma. Polluted air often carries allergens like pollen and mold spores, intensifying allergic reactions in children with asthma. "
Further, ground-level ozone in smog, commonly found in polluted urban areas, acts as a potent respiratory irritant that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including:
Shortness of breath, causing rapid and shallow breathing
Persistent cough or cough which is difficult to treat
Cough which often worsens at night
Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during exhalation
Chest tightness especially in older children, feeling like pressure on the chest
