As soon as the festival of Diwali arrives, there is an atmosphere of happiness, but as soon as the crackers start bursting, this festival becomes a problem for many people. Dr. Pratibha Dogra (Senior Consultant - Pulmonologist, Maringo Asia Hospital Gurugram) said that especially for people suffering from asthma, the smoke of crackers is no less than 'Yamraj'. The chemicals and smoke emitted in crackers can block the windpipe and blacken the lungs.

Fireworks contain dangerous chemicals like sulfur, carbon, and nitrate. When they burn, a lot of smoke and poisonous gases are released. These gases not only pollute the air but also affect our lungs. Especially for asthma patients, it narrows the windpipe, making breathing difficult.

• Effects on asthma patients-

The airways of asthma patients are already sensitive. The smoke of firecrackers can cause swelling and irritation in their airways, which causes the airways to shrink. The result is that the chances of an asthma attack increase. This can cause problems like difficulty in breathing, cough, and chest tightness. Sometimes the condition becomes so serious that the patient has to be admitted to the hospital.

• More impact on children and the elderly-

The smoke of firecrackers is not only dangerous for asthma patients, but also for children and the elderly. The respiratory system of children is not fully developed, so the smoke can be harmful to them too. On the other hand, the lungs of the elderly are weak, so smoke can cause problems for them too.

• How to protect yourself?

-Stay indoors: If firecrackers are bursting near you, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed

-Wear a mask: If you must go out, wear a mask

-Keep your inhaler with you: Asthma patients should always keep their inhaler with them so that they can use it in an emergency

-Celebrate the festival in natural ways: Instead of firecrackers, celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps and decorating the house with flowers, which will also reduce pollution

The smoke of firecrackers not only affects asthma but also other –

• More impact on children and the elderly-

The smoke of firecrackers is not only dangerous for asthma patients but also for children and the elderly. The respiratory system of children is not fully developed, so the smoke can be harmful ftothem too. On the other hand, the lungs of the elderly are weak, so smoke can cause problems for them too.

• How to protect yourself?

Stay indoors: If firecrackers are bursting near you, stay indoors and keep the windows and doors closed.

Wear a mask: If it is necessary to go out, then go wearing a mask.

Keep your inhaler with you: Asthma patients should always keep their inhaler with them, so that they can use it in an emergency.

Celebrate the festival in natural ways: Instead of firecrackers, celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps and decorating the house with flowers, which will also reduce pollution.

The smoke of firecrackers is not only dangerous for asthma but also for other respiratory diseases. Therefore, we should take precautions to take care of ourselves and our family's health. There is also a danger fofrelated diseases. Therefore, we should take precautions to take care of ourselves and our family's health.