diwali-CroppedAs Diwali the festival of lights is round the corner, besides accidental burns, there are several health issues that needs to be prevented during the festival, informs doctors from Columbia Asia Hospital in Gurgaon.

Diwali means fun, sweets and crackers but to ensure healthy and safe festivity one should avoid excessive consumption of sweets and high fat snacks, and limit the use of firecrackers to prevent air and noise pollution, doctors inform.

Also the general notion is that the threat of accidental burning from firecrackers is the only risk related to the festival, in reality there are several other health issues associated with Diwali.
“Every year after Diwali cases of lung allergies witness a spike and people with respiratory disorders should take extra caution before the festival to maintain their health. People with asthma & COPD should get themselves checked by pulmonologist. They should also get their PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) done and medicine adjusted accordingly. Post Diwali too, they should get themselves checked,” a statement said.

With the firecrackers polluting the air grievously on the day of festival, it becomes difficult for many patients with heart and lung issues to breathe properly. Additionally many also complain of skin allergies due to the increased particulate material and pollution on the occasion.

Pollutants that emerge from the firecrackers often remain suspended in the atmosphere for days. They aggravate allergic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia and common cold. Nitrogen oxide, the most common pollutant released from firecrackers aggravates existing skin, eye and respiratory problems, said Dr Ramesh BR, Consultant Pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur.

Besides, the unmeasured and abundant intake of sweets can caused harm to patients with diabetes. The fat rich fried food items often exchanged during the festival are also harmful to the health of heart patients and those with hypertension or obesity.

Diabetics particularly need to be extra cautious and avoid consuming sweets. Also, adulterated silver foils on sweets may contain harmful chemicals which can have significant harmful effects on people especially in pregnant women. Noise pollution has its own ill effects and can even cause sudden deafness in children. Avoid smoke inhalation as it may trigger allergies and asthma. Also, be cautious of burn injuries as they are common during the festival, said DrBhanu Rekha Bhaskar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Whitefield.

Exchanging healthy delicacies, keeping handy first aid kit, less intake of fried foods are key points to be taken care on Diwali.

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