“Ten years ago asthma was around 5% to 10% of the pediatric population. However, it has now crossed the 30% mark, and we are seeing a larger number of children with respiratory diseases these days,” says Dr. Discretion Charde, is a pediatric intensivist and specialist in pediatric respiratory diseases.
“While pollution is the primary reason behind the rise in asthma cases, excessive use of mobile phones and screens is also depriving children of sleep. School-going children need up to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep, failing to achieve this can have serious consequences,” Dr Charde said.
They further stressed that disrupted sleep patterns can have negative effects on growth and intelligence in children.
Unlike adults, insufficient sleep can be especially dangerous for children. Dr. Charde advises parents to make sure their children get enough sleep every day. Newborns typically sleep up to 20 hours a day, while 5-year-olds need 11 to 12 hours of sleep. Teenagers need up to 10 hours of sleep, and adults can manage with 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep.
The alarming rise in pediatric pulmonary diseases has prompted Nelson Hospital, a leading childcare facility in central India, to set up a dedicated unit for children’s respiratory illnesses. Dr. Charde will be in charge of this unit.
Renowned Pediatrician and Director of Nelson Hospital, Dr. Satish Devpujari stressed on the urgency of this initiative and said that it is the need of the hour.
“It is a vicious cycle. Increased screen time reduces children’s physical activity, which leads to overeating and obesity. Obesity, in turn, contributes to respiratory problems,” said Dr Deopujari.
He also highlighted that children who suffer from respiratory diseases at a young age may require lung transplants in their 40s.
“Parents often ignore snoring in children as normal. However, it can be an important sign that the child is experiencing a respiratory illness,” cautions Dr Devpujari.
Respiratory problems not only affect brain development and memory in children, but also put obese children at risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.