Diwali is a festival of lights. It is one of the most awaited festivals in India. But now it has turned out to be a huge source of air and noise pollution. A combination of all these resulted in serious consequences and health emergencies. Dr Soumya Sengupta, MD. DNB, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Techno India DAMA Hospital and Dr MS Purkait, Medical Superintendent, Techno India DAMA Hospital stated a list of Diwali pollution induced health hazards which have been reported across all the hospitals of the City and approx number of patients who appeared in the hospital with the respiratory issues, burn injuries and other psychological troubles caused due to Diwali revelry imposed air and sound pollution.
1. “AIR POLLUTION has again become dangerous for our health after Diwali with AQI crossing more than 200 at places in Kolkata. Toxic gases like PM2.5 and SO2 were found to be the major pollutants produced by burning firecrackers. NH3, ethyl-benzene and NO were also found as significant emissions from fireworks. Patients with pre-existing chronic respiratory problems like asthma, allergic rhinitis & COPD experienced increased Shortness of breath, worsening cough , throat irritation & sneezing. We have examined and treated accordingly, almost 45+ patients with exacerbation of COPD & asthma in the last 3 to 4 days, since the commencement of Diwali celebrations across all the locations of the City,” said Dr Soumya Sengupta, MD. DNB, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Techno India DAMA Hospital.
2. Dr. MS Purkait, Medical Superintendent, Techno India DAMA LHospital
i. The vibrant celebration of lights and joy has turned out to be a threat for patients suffering from Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cardiac disorders and etc.The massive smog in the surroundings, which is a result of havoc firecracker burnings resulted in increasing the Air pollution level index in the City which turned out to be fatal for the office goers, students, children and the senior citizens. Patients came with the symptoms of bronchial asthma and COPD causing respiratory distress and reported to the ER . We are keeping them under observation.
We always advise the individuals to use face masks during the burning of the firecrackers or limit the exposure to such harmful gases which they emit. Slow inhalation of it leads to the above mentioned health hazards. This is the major reason we advise to stay indoors specially during the evening hours for patients suffering from Bronchial Asthma, COPD or cardiac disorders as inhaling the gases emitted from fire crackers can aggravate the symptoms.
ii. Many patients reported to our hospital complaining about irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, skin leading to watering of eyes, sneezing, dry cough after the Diwali revelry. We immediately examined them and on emergency relief basis medications like nasal spray and anti-allergens were provided.
iii. Moreover, this Diwali we have noticed a significant escalation in burn injury cases due to ignorance towards self safety and precautions. This could have been prevented by wearing pure cotton clothes as synthetic fabrics caught fire easily. Closed shoes help in preventing burn injuries of feet.
Due to the delay in medical attention as well as some home treatments like application of ice cubes, toothpaste and turmeric paste, resulted in adverse conditions of minor burn injury cases. Immediate dressing was done and Paracetamol was given to such patients to reduce the pain, control the body temperature and high swelling.
iv. A few cases of indigestion issues and other stomach ailments also reported to few of our experts as patients suffering from dyslipidemia or ischemic heart diseases and diabetes mellitus consumed fried items and ghee products and they were previously advised to intake a balanced diet, rich with green leafy vegetables, lean proteins and fruits. We treated them through prescribing antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) after thorough screening.
v. Diwali is a time of celebration for all. But Sometimes we are so preoccupied that we forget to take care of the senior citizens at home. Many senior citizens postponed their regular check ups, even insulin intake which was very much risky for them. It is also a time in which there is a propensity of viral propagation.Thus elderly generation suffering from respiratory problems came to us.
They got affected by the smoke due to the bursting of crackers and the presence of the pollutants in the air. The high decibel sound from the bursting of crackers caused them anxiety ,rise in blood pressure and mood swings. We always advise the family members to keep a watch on them as the combination of all these leads to cardiac arrests.