The festival of lights, Diwali, is incomplete without gorging on delicacies and bursting firecrackers, but medical experts have raised an alarm for those already suffering from lung and heart diseases, blood pressure and diabetes asking them to be cautious as negligence might worsen their condition this festive season.
Speaking on the rise of respiratory & heart problems during Diwali, Dr Purshottam lal Chairman of Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute, said, "During Diwali, cardiac & respiratory problems are on the rise due to increase in pollution due to the smoke let out by firecrackers. The climate also changes during this time and patients of bronchial asthma are more prone to developing infections."
"People suffering from heart problems might get startled by the sound of crackers which is extremely dangerous for them. Heart and lung problems such as asthma can get worse," said Dr Anil Dhall, Director of Cardiology at Delhi Heart and lung Institute.
Doctors say that after the festive season is over, a swarm of patients queue up complaining of high blood pressure, diabetes and breathing problems which is a result of their carefree attitude and over-indulgence in food and crackers ignoring the doctors' advice.
"Harmful air pollutants lead to cardiovascular diseases such as artery blockages leading to heart attacks. The polluted environment due to cracker's smoke is very harmful as it leads to increase in fine particulate matter which triggers heart attacks, insufficient blood supply to heart and congestive heart failure," informed Dr Mohit Dayal Gupta, Associate Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital adding that patients must stay indoors during Diwali and take their medicines regularly to avoid aggravating their problems.
According to Sandeep Sindhu, Senior Consultant of ENT at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, "The level of suspended particles in the air increases alarmingly during Diwali, causing breathing, eye, throat and nose problems. The pollution level shoots up due to crackers and people with respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis suffer.