Smog is a mixture of fog and smoke that affects human health extensively. The sudden increase in pollution after Diwali, which may be due to bursting of crackers or increase in vehicular pollution or stubble burning, results in health problems in most of the people. Older age i.e. children and elderly are more vulnerable and patients with co-morbidities are likely to develop serious health problems.
In this regard, Dr. Sandeep Nair, Principal Director and HOD Pulmonology at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, said, “Due to the increase in smog, the respiratory system is badly affected. People suffer from extreme dry cough and shortness of breath.” There is a problem of bloating. Due to increase in irritants in the air. Patients who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD face severe respiratory distress and some may even have to be admitted. “These patients experience increased symptoms despite taking regular medications.”
“Patients also complain of neurological problems including dizziness, headaches and confusion. The number of patients with heart problems is also increasing and we are seeing an increase in cases of heart attacks and strokes due to smog. Some patients also suffer from swelling. , redness, irritation and itching of the face, including the throat and eyes, and watery eyes and nasal congestion,” he added.
Respiratory problems after Diwali and how to prevent it
Dr Ajit Kulkarni, a pulmonologist at Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, said, “Respiratory problems arising from this pollution mainly affect two categories of people: those with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), interstitial lung disease and others, and those who No lung disease.”
- Effects on people with pre-existing lung diseases:
For individuals with pre-existing lung diseases, increased air pollution worsens their underlying conditions. This is often called a “lung attack”. During this time, these individuals experience exacerbations of conditions such as asthma and COPD. Common symptoms include increased cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing sounds in the chest. His asthma and underlying COPD worsen due to exposure to dust during cleaning during Diwali.
- Effects on people without pre-existing lung disease:
Even individuals who do not have pre-existing lung disease are not immune to the effects of increased pollution. Due to the various pollution sources mentioned earlier, they may experience symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, cough and sometimes shortness of breath.
Use of mask: It is important to wear a mask to avoid the harmful effects of pollution. This is especially important for individuals with asthma or COPD.
Avoid crackers: Bursting of firecrackers contributes significantly to air pollution. People are urged to avoid fireworks not only during Diwali but throughout the year.
Vehicle Maintenance: Regular servicing of vehicles is important to reduce their contribution to air pollution. Keeping vehicles well maintained can help reduce pollution levels.
Inhaler treatment: Individuals with asthma or COPD should not stop their prescribed inhaler treatment. Consistency in medication is important for managing their conditions.
seek medical attention: If anyone, whether with or without pre-existing lung disease, experiences respiratory problems, they should immediately consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
5 breathing exercises to deal with the after effects of Diwali pollution:
“One of the most common effects is a feeling of congestion. Many people wake up with blocked nose, throat irritation and heavy chest due to polluted air,” said Saurabh Bothra, certified yoga instructor and CEO of Habuild. The air they are exposed to during the festival can have immediate and long-term effects on human health.”
“To counter these effects and strengthen your lungs post-Diwali, consider incorporating the following five simple yoga breathing exercises into your daily routine. However, it is essential to remember that these exercises are designed to reduce post-Diwali pollution. “Is best practiced in a clean, free environment.” ” He added.
This powerful practice not only clears your respiratory system and improves lung function but also reduces stress, boosts brain energy, increases blood circulation, and helps your liver and kidneys by removing toxins. Supports the functions of.
Ujjayi Pranayama is known for its soothing and strengthening effect on the respiratory system. It involves producing a slight hissing sound during both inhalation and exhalation, which helps improve lung capacity and clear the air passages. Along with this, it also promotes the functioning of the immune and nervous systems.
This powerful breathing exercise helps clear your respiratory passages, strengthen your lungs, calm your nervous system, and support clear and balanced respiratory channels.
This breathing exercise clears your airways, increases lung capacity, and removes toxins from your body, making it especially effective for reducing congestion and discomfort caused by pollution after Diwali. Becomes useful.
Bhramari can help reduce stress and soothe the respiratory system. It can reduce stress caused by exposure to air pollution.
Professor Tarundeep Singh Anand, Founder and Chancellor of Universal AI University, concluded, “We all should celebrate a pollution-free and eco-friendly Diwali. We need to handle our environment carefully. A city like Mumbai is already polluted. Has registered an increase.” Level of air pollution. This will further increase due to firecrackers and its smoke. When efforts are underway by various organizations to adopt a ‘green’ approach, where the emphasis is on energy saving and reduction in carbon footprint, citizens can also contribute in keeping the environment pollution free. A festival like Diwali is a great opportunity to show our commitment towards a clean environment. If the young generation, especially children, inherit these values today, they will become the environmentally sensitive generation of tomorrow.”
