Deepavali sees high levels of air and noise pollution, affecting asthmatics and even those without any history of respiratory problems.
Contact a doctor if there are aggravated symptoms.
Don't venture out during peak hours on Deepavali.
Cover up your nose and mouth with a dust mask.
Carry a rescue inhaler while travelling.
Don't miss your daily dose of medicine.
Drink plenty of fluids; keep yourself hydrated.
Stock up on inhalers and other prescribed drugs.
Stay indoors; in a well air-conditioned room.
Firstly, minimize your exposure to all sources of smoke, including tobacco and incense.
Here's how you can take extra preventative measures when it comes to you and your asthma:
The crackers are filled with fine particles that increase the level of pollutants in the air, making it risky for people with asthma and respiratory problems, he said.
Most crackers contain heavy metals to produce colourful sparks, which cause respiratory problems and various other skin infections.
Dr Venkatesh Thuppil, Principal Investigator, Quality Council of India and National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, Bengaluru, said, “Most crackers contain toxic heavy metals that can have a severe effect on health. Despite the
He added, "The risk of respiratory infections is equally high among non-asthmatics. People without any prior history of respiratory ailments too are at risk of developing symptoms of coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.”
He said, “During the three days of Deepavali, sulphur dioxide levels go up 200 times the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These poisonous gases increase the risk of asthma attacks and other smoke and dust
They cause irritation in the lungs and worsen the condition of people especially with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.
Firecrackers contain potassium nitrate, carbon, sulphur and other harmful metals, which when burnt release harmful gases, like sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, manganese and even cadmium into the air.
“We get at least 10-15 patients with respiratory problems and throat infections after Deepavali. It is the direct result of smoke emanating from the firecrackers. The smoke enters the respiratory system and affects the lungs,” said Dr H. Paramesh,
The number of asthma attacks and complaints of troubled breathing are reported just after Deepavali.