Chitralekha Nayak
Diwali is an occasion for festivities, eating homemade traditional goodies, visiting friends and family, and lighting up the spirit of joy through lamps.
The festival however, which onsets in Goa along with winter, is also a time for caution especially for those suffering from respiratory illnesses.
The widespread use of firecrackers during festivals affects the air quality, impacting not just those in immediate vicinity, but also individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
The common triggers for asthma include smoking, dust mites, allergies, and outdoor air pollution. Smoke from firecrackers may trigger asthma or worsen existing asthma symptoms.
Researchers at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) have established a link between asthma and exposure to fireworks. They have identified and proved that the metallic particles in the smoke released after bursting fireworks can pose a significant health risk, especially for individuals with asthma. During the Diwali festival in India, there was a notable increase of 30 to 40% in reported cases of wheezing, respiratory ailments, worsening of bronchial asthma and bronchitis in individuals of all ages and genders.
Due to the elevated levels of pollution, patients suffering from asthma tend to deteriorate in health. Exposure to pollutants like fine particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other airborne irritants can trigger airway inflammation, increased mucus production, coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Prolonged or intense exposure to air pollution can additionally lead to reduced lung-function, making it more challenging for individuals with asthma to manage their condition.
For individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to firecracker smoke can exacerbate their symptoms and potentially lead to acute respiratory distress. The key strategy for preventing asthma attacks lies in identifying trigger factors and reducing exposure to them through effective management.
It’s important to take precautions when one is near firecrackers, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or other health vulnerabilities. Senior citizens and other vulnerable groups should take specific preventive measures to protect themselves from air pollution during bursting of firecrackers.
Avoiding direct exposure to firecracker smoke, wearing a mask if necessary during Diwali for those who have respiratory issues helps a great deal. Keeping a safe distance from fireworks displays can reduce the associated health risks.
Precautions which individuals with respiratory illnesses should take to protect themselves from the air pollution caused by the smoke produced by firecrackers during Diwali include:
Embrace a nutritious diet
Along with the celebrations and fireworks, Diwali is synonymous with sweet treats. Individuals with asthma should steer clear of artificial sweeteners and sugary confections. It is extremely important to maintain good overall health by eating a healthy diet and avoid indulging sweets.
It is advisable to use inhalers
Asthma requires effective management, so it’s essential to have inhalers readily available during Diwali when pollution levels are elevated. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions and use inhalers as prescribed.
Take shelter indoors: It is recommended to stay indoors during peak firecracker activities. Ensuring one’s windows and doors are closed will help minimise the infiltration of external pollutants. Individuals are recommended to cover their mouths with a moist cloth when going out.
Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep one’s airways moist and less prone to irritation.
(The writer is a consultant physician at Healthway Hospitals, Old Goa)
