Air Pollution and Asthma
Air pollution is a known trigger for asthma symptoms – and can have both short-term and long-term effects on lung health in children.
If your child has asthma or is showing early signs of breathing problems, understanding the role of air pollution is key to managing their condition and preventing flare-ups.
How Air Pollution Affects Asthma
- Worsens symptoms: Pollutants such as car exhaust fumes and industrial emissions can irritate the airways, causing wheeze, breathlessness, and coughing.
- Increases sensitivity to triggers: Pollution can make children more sensitive to common asthma triggers like pollen, exercise, or cold air.
- Contributes to the development of asthma: Exposure to air pollution during early childhood – and even during pregnancy – is thought to increase the risk of developing asthma later on.
How to Check Air Quality Levels
The British Thoracic Society recommends using the DEFRA air quality forecast to monitor pollution levels in your area.
Visit: uk-air.defra.gov.uk
- If pollution levels are high, consider taking simple steps to reduce risk:
- Avoid high-traffic routes on the school run
- Reduce outdoor exercise or strenuous activity on high-pollution days
- Keep windows closed during peak traffic times
Is Your Child’s Asthma Worsening on High Pollution Days?
If your child frequently experiences:
- Symptoms while walking near busy roads
- Flare-ups during heatwaves or high-pollen days
- Difficulty keeping asthma under control despite using inhalers
…it may be time for a specialist asthma review with Professor Atul Gupta.
Professor Gupta can:
- Identify if air pollution is a contributing factor
- Tailor asthma treatment to better protect your child
- Provide a personalised action plan for managing symptoms during high-pollution days
- Advise on the safest routes, activity levels, and lifestyle adjustments
When to Refer
You should seek a specialist opinion if:
- Symptoms worsen in urban or traffic-heavy areas
- Asthma flares up during poor air quality days
- You are concerned about long-term lung health due to environmental exposure
We welcome referrals from GPs, paediatricians, and self-referring families.
Request a referral or book an appointment with Professor Gupta today.
Based in London | Expert Paediatric Respiratory Care
