Prolonged exposure to air pollutants during Diwali triggers respiratory problems: Dr Naresh Purohit

Kochi: It is that time of the year when people soak themselves completely in the spirit of festivities and may fail to exercise caution when it comes to tackling respiratory diseases like asthma, lung fibrosis, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, a health communique said on Tuesday.

On Diwali day pollution raises its ugly head and can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and asthma attacks, Disaster Respiratory Health Expert Dr Naresh Purohit cautioned on Tuesday.
However, precaution is always better than treating the flare-ups of these disorders, he said.
Principal Investigator for Association of Studies for Respiratory Care Dr Purohit said pollution in the ambient of air inside home as well as outside home causes a wide array of health problems, including asthma, lung disease, cardiovascular diseases etc.
He stated that increase in air pollution levels can result in a number of symptoms such as constant cough, breathing difficulty, eye burns, running nose, skin allergy and rashes.
Dr Purohit advised that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and breathing problems must stay indoors and limit their exposure to smoke as far as possible. They should also take medications as directed by their respiratory physicians prior to prolonged exposure to fumes and smoke.
He stressed that it is advisable to seek immediate medical help in case of extreme breathlessness which doesn’t come under control. One should not wait too much for the symptoms to progress to a serious form before seeking medical help. Always remember ‘Prevention is better than cure’.
Dr Purohit averred that wearing N95 masks in case of stepping outside could prevent toxic smoke from entering the nose. Apart from medication, nebulization could also be given to children suffering from respiratory troubles post consultation with their doctors.
Noted physician Dr Purohit suggested to always wear protective eye gear to help prevent entry of particles into the eye and irritation by fumes while bursting cracker. Also wear N95 mask so that fumes don’t enter nose and cause irritation which can precipitate an asthma attack very easily.
“Pay attention to the hygiene by asking your child to wash the hands frequently with soap and water and gently wash their eyes. Ask the child to blow their nose if he or she is feeling any sort of irritation,” he added.
He averred that evenings are generally a time when the air pollution rises, so avoid taking your child outdoors.
Overeating is very common during Diwali, which in itself is a harmful habit. However, binge eating and eating oily food can pose a greater threat to asthma patients. Avoid overeating and include a balance of fruits and vegetables to reduce the possibility of a sudden asthma attack.
Keep the inhaler always near you as apart from maintaining the regular dosage of asthma medicines, it can be useful in decreasing the chances of getting an asthma attack, he added.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit: MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.