New Delhi: The festival of lights – Deepawali is about to come. While the festival signifies the victory of good over evil, people often burst firecrackers to celebrate, leading to a sudden increase in the level of air and noise pollution in the atmosphere. Many celebrities, politicians and activists have been advocating ‘Green Diwali’ to make the most of the celebration without any negative effects.
Diwali can be especially stressful for people suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases. Toxic smoke from firecrackers increases the amount of particulate matter in the air above permissible limits and can increase the risk of complications for people with respiratory diseases.
Dr Anshu Punjabi, Consultant-Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund shares what you should do to protect yourself during the rise in air pollution levels during Diwali festivities.
avoid going out
Avoid stepping out and bursting crackers. The smoke emitted by firecrackers contains adulterants such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. These harmful substances can provoke asthma. Keep your room smoke free. Try to stay indoors with air conditions, if possible, to avoid feeling too suffocated.
wear a face mask
If you need to step out, wear a face mask. Consider wearing an anti-pollution face mask that can block fumes from getting into the respiratory system.
eat healthy food and drink water
Although Diwali is all about delicious food and sweets, be sure to watch your oil and sweet intake. Eat nutritious food consisting of fruits and vegetables. It can help you improve your overall health. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent hyperacidity. Drink a mug of warm water before sleeping. This will promote digestion and help remove adulteration from the respiratory system.
keep your inhaler close
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions should keep their emergency medicines, nebulizers and other medicines on hand at all times. Make sure you take all your medicines on time.
inhale steam
Take steam whenever you feel uncomfortable. You can also place a hot water bag on your reverse and coffin if you suffer from irregular breathing. These measures will give relief from the problem of breathing.
don’t dust yourself
Almost everyone cleans their house before Diwali. If you have respiratory problems then you should stay away from the process of cleaning the house as dust can cause breathing problems.
(Disclaimer: Expert advice or doctor’s discretion is advised for extreme cases. Patients are requested to consult medical practitioners for immediate relief).
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