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People with respiratory conditions should stay indoors as much as possible.
Diwali is a significant Indian festival, but for people with asthma, it may often be dangerous. (Representative Image)
Diwali is a time of joy, lights and togetherness. But for people with asthma, the celebrations can pose significant health risks. Asthma, a condition caused by inflammation of the lungs, affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways swells, restricting airflow into and out of the lungs. Common symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing and chest tightness. The air pollution generated by firecrackers and other festive activities can worsen asthma symptoms, making breathing difficult and potentially triggering severe attacks.
To help asthma patients stay safe during Diwali, here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms:
Stay Indoors
People who have respiratory issues, such as asthma, should stay indoors and restrict their exposure to smoke. They should take their medications as prescribed by their respiratory doctors before spending a lot of time among smoke and pollutants. If severe dyspnoea is uncontrollable, it is best to get medical attention right away.
Wear mask
Wearing a mask will prevent the fumes from the fireworks from irritating your nose when you are bursting crackers or celebrating Diwali with friends and family. This may lessen the likelihood of an unexpected asthma attack. To prevent particles and fumes from getting into your eyes, you should also wear protective eyewear.
Always carry your inhalers with you
Using controller inhalers regularly can significantly reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Follow your doctor’s orders and take the recommended dosage every day. During Diwali, there are a lot of airborne triggers, so it is important to have your relief inhalers on hand. These inhalers will help you rapidly reduce your symptoms by delivering a focused medication straight to the airways.
Stay away from alcohol
Alcohol, like wine and beer, can trigger asthma symptoms for some people. The chemicals and preservatives in these drinks may irritate the airways, leading to wheezing or breathing difficulties. During Diwali, when pollution and other allergens are already high, drinking alcohol could make asthma worse. To stay safe, it’s best for people with asthma to avoid alcohol during the festival.
Avoid dust
In preparation for Diwali, many people thoroughly clean their homes to welcome the festivities. This cleaning process can stir up dust mites and other allergens into the air, which may pose a risk to individuals with asthma. Exposure to dust mites can lead to sneezing, coughing, and wheezing – common triggers for an asthma attack.
To minimise this risk, it’s advisable for asthma sufferers to avoid being in a room while it’s being cleaned. Wearing a mask while cleaning and ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce exposure to airborne allergens, keeping asthma symptoms under control during the festive season.
Consume balanced meals
Overeating is common during Diwali, with an abundance of festive sweets and rich foods. This can be especially risky for individuals with asthma. Binge eating, particularly fatty and heavy foods, can trigger symptoms like acid reflux, which may worsen asthma or lead to an attack.
