``This period has been very tough. The dry weather and the smoke causes many problems on children, such as pneumonia, coughing and secretion,'' Daniel Pires, a pediatrician and the hospital's adjunct-director told the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. ``From Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, the median (number) of cases was about 120 to 130 children with respiratory problems. From Aug. 11 to (Aug. 20) it went up to 280 cases.''https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/respiratory-ailments-rise-in-brazil-as-amazon-fires-rage/up-to-280-cases/slideshow/70873290.cms