Fireworks and onset of winter are the main reasons; numbers to shoot up once festivities are over.
Winter is still some days away, and Diwali is yet to begin. But the slight dip in temperatures, coupled with the start of cracker-bursting, has already triggered respiratory problems in the city.
Doctors say that the number of people walking in with allergies and breathing problems, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), has gone up suddenly over the last fortnight or so.
“There is an increase in suspended particulate matter in the air, thereby causing respiratory problems. Those with low immunity, those prone to asthma, as well as people exposed to excessive pollution are coming in with cough, cold, and breathing problems,” said Dr Tejal Shah, a chest physician in Ghatkopar.
Rhinitis, or having a stuffy nose characterised by nasal dripping; COPD, a condition wherein airways become narrow leading to persistent cough, chest tightness, wheezing; and asthma are being increasingly noticed amongst people of all age groups, especially senior citizens and children, with at least six to seven people trooping in daily, said health experts.
“People staying in areas close to industrial belts like Andheri, Chembur, etc. are more prone to catching respiratory problems, as well as cough and cold. COPD, which used to affect mostly smokers, is also seen amongst non-smokers due to the rising pollution. Those prone to asthma first get rhinitis, then cold, and finally asthma,” said Dr Shah.
Dr Ravindra Rupwate, chest physician at Fortis Hospital, said fire crackers will only make the situation worse.
“From the third day of Diwali up to a month or longer, the number of people coming in with respiratory problems is likely to double. More than the change in climate, it is the exposure to crackers which causes these problems,” said Dr Pralhad Prabhudesai, consultant chest physician at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, adding that metals like cadmium, lead, zinc, etc., present in almost all crackers, precipitate asthma and COPD.
“The increasing levels of sulphur dioxide in the air, after coming in contact with the nose and throat, irritate the respiratory tracts. Furthermore, patients are unable to respond to treatment quickly, thereby increasing their anxiety,” said Dr Prabhudesai.
Though the prevention of such problems is not really possible, measures like maintaining good hygiene, frequent washing of hands, avoiding going near areas where crackers are being burst, and disposing off tissues after usage, can help in checking the aggravation of these problems, said Dr Taher Kagalwala, paediatrician, Saifee Hospital.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}