Diwali is the biggest festival in India, celebrated by worshipping god Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi, distributing sweets, burning crackers, etc. It is one of the most important festivals, but however, those who are suffering from Asthma it is really very hazardous because of the presence of a very high polluted air in the atmosphere.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory disease that is caused by the inflammation of the lungs and affects the nerves endings in the airways. In an asthma attack, the linings get swell up and restrict the flow of air. Generally, the symptoms are shortness in breath, along with wheezing and tightness in the chest.
As per a study, during the Diwali, the presence of the particulate matter in India has recorded 6-12 times the WHO standard. Another study reveals a 4-times increase in the levels of particles in major Indian cities.
Moreover, the concentration of sulfur and nitrogen reaches the maximum level during this festival. Hence, for an asthmatic person, it could be a lot difficult to breathe properly in this polluted environment.
But, there are certain precautions that you must take during Diwali, these are:
1. Try to stay at home as much as possible:
After Diwali, there is a lot of smoke in the air, so to avoid the inhalation of the harmful gases produced by bursting the crackers, try to avoid going outdoors as much as possible.
2. Always keep inhalers with yourself all the time:
If you feel shortness in breath or feel heaviness while breathing, you can use the inhaler. The inhalers will help in alleviating the symptoms and will also reduce the chances of an asthma attack.
3. Don’t consume alcohol:
Alcohol can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Since there is so pollution in the air, so avoid the exacerbating chances of an asthma attack by avoiding these beverages.
4. Stay clear from dust:
It is a common practice before Diwali to clean the rooms and home. However, because of this many dust mites get spread in the air. These mites, when inhaled by a sensitive person, can cause an asthma attack. So try to avoid the dust and stay in a neat clean room.
5. Choose your food wisely:
Diwali is a festival of sweets and fried food. But, a high intake of fried food and dessert can have an inflammatory effect on the body. Therefore, opt for a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of asthma.
It is best to consult a pulmonologist for the best treatment and remedies. Dr. Pankaj Gulati can provide you the best consultation and treatment for your Asthma disease, at BreathClinic, Jaipur. He is one of the best pulmonologist doctors in Jaipur, with proven successful results.