Not a cracker of a Diwali for all; doctors predict surge in respiratory problems among asthmatic patients

Bengaluru: “I would stay indoors as I have been having breathing issues since my teen years and Diwali is not helping my case,” says a 35-year-old Human Resource professional from the city who also suffers from mild asthma. The city’s asthmatic patients and also patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), would definitely bear the brunt of the crackers and fireworks as doctors predict surge or spike in respiratory problems among asthmatic patients.

“Burning of crackers releases toxic fume which has potential harmful effects for airways that will stay in the environment for some twenty days after Diwali. Hence we see a spike in respiratory diseases and many patients come in with acute injury to the lungs, transient wheezing, cough and running nose. Worst are the asthmatic patients, many of whom complain of acute exacerbations of asthma post Diwali,” informs Dr Sandeep HS, Consultant Pulmonologist at People tree hospital who adds that out of 100 patients in OPD at least some 30 patients will come because of exacerbation or increased asthma.

According to health experts, the number of patients suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and allergic rhinitis shows an increasing trend hence they need to be cautious.

“For asthmatic and COPD patients the biggest problem is not just the pollution related exacerbation but can also have secondary infection like any bacterial infection. The smoke and pollutants released are highly hazardous for COPD and asthmatic patients even if they are indoors,” says Dr Uma Devraj, associate Professor at Department of Pulmonology at St Johns medical college and hospital who points out about the spike saying, “If every day I am seeing some four asthmatic patients, post Diwali it increases to 6-7 patients daily per doctor.”

Doctors also assert that apart from the firecrackers, the city’s weather is also going to add up to asthmatic patient’s woes. “These pollutants along with the smoke when gets mixed with the fog in the morning creating smog along with the humidity and current environmental pollutants also play harm to the patients with asthma and can trigger other major health problems for the,” adds Dr Uma. “Pollutants that emerge from the firecrackers often remain suspended in the atmosphere for days. They aggravate allergic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia and common cold. Nitrogen oxide, the most common pollutant released from firecrackers aggravates existing skin, eye and respiratory problems,” said Dr Ramesh BR, Consultant Pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur.

Celebrate festival, but protect yourself: Doctors

“Sometimes over-enthusiastic lighting of crackers, can cause immense harm to passers-by during Diwali, so we advice people to stay away from crackers. A person’s eyes may get injured without his knowledge. We get many cases of eyelid and ocular burns which are burns to the sclera, conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelids,” says, Dr. Apajigowda, Medical Director of Vijaya Nethralaya. He says that, “The major injuries include Corneo-scleral tears and Post-traumatic Iridocyclitis (i.e. trauma or injury to tissues inside the eyes which lead to inflammation).There are also cases of dislocation of the lens and instantaneous development of cataracts.”

Additionally, the unmeasured and abundant intake of sweets can cause harm to diabetic patients. Fried foods, often exchanged during the festival are harmful to the health of heart patients and those with hypertension or obesity. “Diabetics need to be extra cautious and should avoid consuming sweets. Also, adulterated silver foils on sweets may contain chemicals which can have harmful effects on consumers, especially pregnant women,” said, Dr. Bhanu Rekha Bhaskar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Whitefield.

Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.