Childhood asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways swell and narrow, making breathing hard. In Ghaziabad, dust, pollution in winter and frequent colds make it common, and watching a child struggle to breathe is frightening for any parent.

Common triggers

  • Dust, dust mites, pollen and smoke, including smoke from incense and cooking
  • Winter pollution and sudden weather changes
  • Colds and other viral infections
  • Running or playing hard
  • A family history of asthma or allergies

Signs to watch for

  • Cough that is worse at night or early morning
  • Wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
  • Breathlessness or chest tightness
  • Colds that keep going to the chest

Get emergency help if your child

  • is struggling to breathe or can't speak in full sentences
  • has the skin between the ribs pulling in with each breath
  • has bluish lips or is very drowsy
  • is not improving after the reliever inhaler their doctor prescribed

Keep using prescribed inhalers

Inhalers prescribed by your child's paediatrician control the swelling in the airways and can be life-saving during an attack. Don't stop or reduce them on your own. Any change should be made by the doctor who prescribed them.

How Dr Amit Kumar Gupta approaches childhood asthma

Children's chest and allergy problems are one of Dr Amit Kumar Gupta's main areas of practice. He looks at how often attacks come, what triggers them, how often the child catches colds and the family history before prescribing homeopathic medicine. Treatment is given alongside the child's current medicines, and the aim is fewer colds and fewer flare-ups over time.

What parents can do at home

  • Keep bedrooms dust-free and wash bedsheets weekly in hot water
  • Keep children away from cigarette, incense and mosquito-coil smoke
  • On high-pollution days, keep outdoor play short
  • Make sure vaccinations, including the flu vaccine if the paediatrician advises it, are up to date

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation