India, Nov. 22 -- The district's paediatric population is grappling with respiratory problems as the air quality on Friday remained 'poor', with an average AQI of 287. Outpatient departments at both private and government-run hospitals are reporting a spike in bronchial asthma, cold and cough, wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs), including pneumonia, among children, particularly below five years, according to officials and experts.

At Civil Hospital in sector 10A, the largest government-run institute with no paediatric intensive care units (P-ICU), doctors said at least 8 to 10 Asthma and 25 LRIs cases among children are being reported daily. "On Friday, 35 children underwent spirometry tests during a monthly camp, whi...