Rubab, an 8-year-old student from Noida, living in Delhi, has been using a nebulizer since childhood. A nebulizer is a small device that turns liquid medicine into a mist, providing relief from breathing difficulties.

As he carefully assembled his nebulizer, inserted the medicine, and turned it on to inhale the vaporized form of his bronchodilator medicine, he said, “I’ve used the nebulizer a billion times. The doctor says I Can’t go out to play, and have to sit at home and nebulize, I’ve been having croup for more than 2 years, I wear a mask to school these days.

This little boy is suffering from croup, a respiratory condition characterized by a wheezing cough that can be life-threatening in young children. Often relief comes only after vomiting.

Croup is a condition that obstructs the airway, causing swelling of the larynx and voice box, making breathing difficult. It is characterized by a brassy or metallic-sounding cough, which is often more pronounced at night.

With winter fast approaching, the thick blanket of smog and pollution covering Delhi-NCR makes this season especially challenging for them. The resurgence of pollutants due to farm fires ahead of the festive season is once again going to make the situation worse for children with breathing problems.

Concerned about her son’s health, his mother Radhika Bhagat told IndiaToday.in, “He has been using a nebulizer since childhood, it is not an easy situation for the child, he hates being locked in the house. One As a child, a Delhi girl, it was not like that, I have spent my childhood here, I think these children will never get to experience this.

She is waiting for stricter pollution norms to be implemented in Delhi-NCR.

“We have all experienced the odd-even rule, and while it helps reduce pollution, it is also our responsibility to ensure pollution norms are followed. As a mother, my son’s health is my top priority But how many of us have the option of just packing up and moving to Goa, given the pollution is worse at certain times of the year? Goes, and I’m still looking for a solution.”

Dr Deepak Yadav, a pediatrician in Rubab, said pollution increases the problems of children who are undergoing treatment for their bronchial problems.

“Rubab was very small when he first came to me, and now I see him regularly because of his wheezing and whooping cough. A baby’s respiratory passages are far more vulnerable than an adult’s, making them difficult to breathe air. “We become more sensitive to pollutants and allergies, especially at certain times of the year. The problem is further aggravated by seasonal changes and dust pollution. Rubab is a very intelligent child and follows all instructions diligently,” says Dr. Yadav said.

“I don’t know if it’s directly caused by pollution, but we see an increase during this period,” Dr Yadav said.

Nebulizer use is increasing in children

Rubab’s case is one of the many in Delhi-NCR today. Doctors say nebulizing has increased in the past few years.

“Increasing levels of pollution have led to a significant increase in the use of nebulizers in children. Infections in the lungs and airways, such as bronchitis, have become more common. Over the past two years, from 2022 to 2024, the number of children requiring nebulization has increased. There has been an increase of 12-15%,” said Dr Amit Sharma, Head ENT, Shalby Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram.

The incidence of lung and throat infections as well as the use of antibiotics and bronchodilators has also increased.

“Antibiotics are prescribed in the category of penicillin and amoxicillin. We check the level of infection and in some serious situations we give antibiotics intravenously,” he said.

“It is good to have a nebulizer at home for those who can afford it, but some precautions have to be taken, like please use it only after a doctor’s prescription. Also, some hygiene practices should be maintained by parents or guardians. There is a need to keep it,” said Dr Amit.

The Health Ministry has issued guidelines advising such children to avoid going out during peak pollution hours and avoid playing sports during the morning or evening.