Asthmatic? Steer clear of fumes and smoke this Diwali

LUCKNOW: Change in weather and increase in air pollution levels might give a tough time to allergic and asthmatic patients, say doctors.

“Bursting of crackers troubles people, particularly asthmatic patients who experience difficulty in breathing despite being on medication,” said Dr Ved Prakash, adding: “Those who are vulnerable to allergy /asthma should avoid smoke and also ensure indoor exercise instead of going outdoors for a few days.”

Dr Ved Prakash said that every patient should have an asthma action plan and see a doctor if the breathlessness became severe .

“There is a surge in respiratory problems due to a combination of factors like changing weather pattern, an increase in allergens, and the onset of colder climates with smog formation,” said Dr AK Singh of Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital.

Dr Singh said due to the impact of fireworks on respiratory health during festivities, the condition of people with rhinitis, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or asthma/ chronic respiratory diseases worsened. “It is harmful for even people with no prior respiratory ailments as it results in coughing, wheezing and breathlessness from smoke emission due to crackers,” he said. “In India, an

› In India, an estimated 1520 million people suffer from respiratory disorders of which 1015% are children in the age group of 511 years DR AK SINGH , Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital

estimated 15-20 million people suffer from respiratory disorders of which 10-15% are children in the age group of 5-11 years. The World Health Organisation states that 7 million people die every year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. Of these, about 3.8 million die due to indoor air pollution. Recently, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, 10 out of 12 most polluted cities of the country were considered from UP,” he said.