The Diwali fireworks have stopped but their effect is slowly beginning to tell on the health of the city's residents.
Hospitals report 20% to 30% rise in cases during Diwali
BANGALORE: The Diwali fireworks have stopped but their effect is slowly beginning to tell on the health of the city's residents.
Power-packed with 75% potassium nitrate, 15% carbon and 10% sulphur, firecrackers tend to affect asthmatics more as is evidenced by a 30% rise in asthma cases during this festive season compared to the figure recorded for the rest of the year.
Studies have warned that the chemicals emitted through smoke from firecrackers could cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
"There has been a steady rise in the number of asthmatics by 20% to 30% during Diwali compared to the figure we get throughout the year. Most of patients complain of wheezing, breathlessness and cough," said Dr Sumanth Mantri, a consultant pulmonologist of New Apollo Hospital.
The sudden dip in temperature after Diwali also contributed to the rise in asthma cases, he said.
"We are getting more such cases over the last three to four days. Most of the patients have been told to take inhalers and stay indoors," he said.
This year too, asthmatics had a tough time coping with pollutants, crackers and weather.
Rimika Sen, a 24-year-old office employee, said "On my way back home, I felt breathless as crackers kept exploding all around. While you can't protest against people bursting crackers, you can't shut yourself inside the room either. I need to be doubly cautious while making trips to the hospital because the inhaler at times does not help as I struggle my way through the smoke-filled lanes."
"The inhalation of smoke and dust from crackers are the prime cause for frequent asthma cases during this time. Also, people tend to feel irritation in their upper respiratory track," said Dr Vishwanath Ballal, pulmonologist of Sagar Hospital.
The sudden change of weather is adding to their woes.
"While asthmatics complain of wheezing, there has also been a rise in instances of allergic rhinitis," Dr Ballal said.
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) causes ENT problem for people. While some are suffering from bronchial and upper respiratory track problems, others face aggravation of asthmatic attacks and allergies.
Precautionary steps
Keep yourself warm
Avoid inhaling smoke emitted by crackers
Avoid dusty atmosphere
Wear a face mask
Animals not spared
A nine-month-old puppy died of shock caused by firecrackers in Mico Layout in the city.
Every year, as fireworks begin, many pets run away from home, often injuring
themselves as they flee.
Animals are very sensitive and can be easily upset or frustrated by the gruesome sound of firecrackers.
Fatalities are reported as the animals try to escape the noise of firecrackers. They often get hit by vehicles
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