Friday, March 24, 2023, 12:56 p.m.
PM 2.5, a tiny silent threat that is not small for children
PM 2.5 is dust with particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which are too small for nasal hair to filter this type of dust. This type of dust will travel through the child’s respiratory tract. Through the nose and into the throat, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli easily. And can penetrate through to the vascular system as well PM 2.5 dust is not just dust that causes allergies or irritation. But it also brings extras, which are carcinogens, various types of heavy metals, respiratory tract diseases, both viruses and bacteria.
educational articles For a guide for parents in taking care of their children by Dr. Sirirak Kanchanathiraphong Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Children’s Health Center, Navavej Hospital collect information that is knowledgeable With explanations that are easy to understand Which is especially useful for parents to be able to adapt to care. And prevent children from getting sick from PM 2.5 dust
How dangerous is PM 2.5 dust to children? what affect Both short-term and long-term health effects.
short term health effects Both in terms of illness easily cause allergy Until causing the body’s system to malfunction affect mood All of which affect the study, sleep, growth and daily life of children a lot.
respiratory system The introduction of respiratory pathogens, whether viruses or bacteria cause illness more easily and more often
Allergies in children may occur from an average age of 2 years or more.
Allergic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis Children have symptoms ranging from clear runny nose, wheezing, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. Runny nose, frequent sneezing, itchy nose together with itchy eyes, itchy ears, itchy palate, dry cough, itchy throat, and snoring. Eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis Children often have itchy eyes. Frequent rubbing or blinking of eyes due to irritation Some people have rashes around the eyes, burning eyes, allergic to light, skin allergies or allergic dermatitis. Children often have rashes, itchy, dry, peeling on the folds of the joints, especially the limbs. Hives may come and go. There is also an itching sensation similar to an insect bite.
Asthma in young children is often associated with respiratory infections. There are often symptoms of fever and shortness of breath with asthma already. It can cause frequent exacerbations and impair pulmonary function.
Effects on pregnant mothers and fetuses increased risk of miscarriage miscarriage and giving birth to underweight babies until increased risk of developing allergies in infants especially skin rashes during the first year and affects the development of fetal brain cells Puts babies at risk for developmental delays can cause speech and emotional problems
long-term health effects carry carcinogens Various heavy metal substances which reduce lung function and recovery Interference with the metabolic system reduce antioxidants cause high blood pressure in young people causing inflammation and deterioration of the body, making it difficult for the body to recover Therefore more traces of injury or pigment cells appear on the skin. (Pulmonary function test can be started from 5 years old and above)
How to make a differential diagnosis between allergies and symptoms from PM 2.5 dust?
Isolating allergy symptoms caused by exposure to allergens From the irritation from PM 2.5 dust, it may be difficult to do. But it is worth noting that the symptoms from PM 2.5 dust can affect many systems in the body more. Therefore, there is deterioration and exhaustion as well.
The diagnosis of allergy can be done by Specific IgE blood testing and skin prick testing, which are useful in A more specific treatment for allergies is allergy vaccine therapy. Immunotherapy itself.
How to prevent PM 2.5 dust
short term
1. How to properly wear a mask, N95 mask is the best mask to prevent dust. It is advisable to start wearing masks in young children. From the age of 1-2 years, which may be used as a 3-layer filter mask instead
2. Check the air quality index (AQI- Air quality Index) regularly.
3. Installation of indoor air purifiers or the use of portable air purifiers Can reduce the amount of dust before entering the respiratory tract.
4. Spray, nasal spray, powder type Used to spray directly into the nasal cavity to trap allergens, viruses, including PM 2.5 dust from being absorbed into the nasal septum.
long term
1. Help reduce incomplete combustion process
2. Help increase green space in the workplace or surrounding environment.
3. Always check the condition of electrical equipment. to the state of the car to reduce combustion and cause air pollution
for warning signs that Your child has symptoms that need to be brought to the doctor immediately, including:
Sickness from respiratory disease more often, difficult to recover
having shortness of breath together with having a fever every time
Children have decreased daily activities, complaining of tiredness, fatigue, irritability.
Frequent allergic reactions until the need for more medication to control symptoms
Finally, take care of your own health. Increase the strength of our physical condition by eating nutritious foods from the 5 food groups, especially foods that generate antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins B, C, E, cereals that contain omega and fish oil, drinking plenty of clean water. At least 6-8 glasses per day in conjunction with regular exercise. And getting enough rest is definitely the most important thing. And the closest to protecting the small silent threat PM 2.5 dust
“Navavej Hospital” is committed to providing good medical services. And easy to access (Accessible Quality Healthcare) ready to take care of everyone’s health with empathy. with medical services covering all ages and specialized medical teams If you have any questions, you can ask for details and ask for advice at Children’s Health Center, Navavej Hospital Tel. 02 483 9999 I Line: @navavej Iwww.navavej.com
