How to protect yourself from air pollution during the festival season

Diwali, the festival of lights is a joyous occasion full of merriment, gaiety, zest and zeal. Though this festival is supposed to bring good luck, with the invention of technology, modern colourful lights, instead of the traditional oil lamps, plastic decors and harmful firecrackers, it is only adding to noise, air and environmental pollution. The high air pollution after bursting of crackers, only increases the smog, which leads to respiratory problems.- especially those suffering from asthma and the elderly suffer a lot due to this pollution.

Certain precautions to keep in mind
Boost immunity: Drink plenty of water or increase the intake of fluids. One must also try to avoid fatty foods, more so, on the days prior to the festival. “Apart from that, certain food items like apples, apricots, broccoli, walnuts, and beans contain a good amount of antioxidants and are good for lung health and immunity,” says a pulmonologist. 
  
For patients with asthma: Keep your inhalers handy and stock up your refills and check the expiry date of the inhaler. Also keep enough stocks of your medications handy. 

For shortness of breath or choking: Do not panic. Go to an area where there are fewer fumes and then take deep breaths. Wear a wet cloth as a mask to avoid breathing in bad air. In case it continues, see a doctor.

For people with respiratory problems: Try to restrict your exposure to fumes of firecrackers. In case, you feel tightness in the chest or feel short of breath, use an inhaler immediately. “If you don’t get relief or don’t have a rescue inhaler with you, visit the nearest healthcare facility immediately. Chest tightness may herald impending respiratory failure warns the pulmonologist.

Tips for kids and newborns: Children shouldn’t be left alone on their own. Take care that the crackers do not produce too many fumes as it is extremely injurious to health. “Keep newborns indoors and keep the window panes shut so that harmful air doesn’t enter the house. Use a wet cloth as a mask to avoid breathing in polluted air, ” consultant says.

Tips for elderly people: Similar care should be taken for old people. In case, they participate in burning firecrackers, make sure they wear a safety mask. Also, never try to touch half burned crackers. Remain as far as possible from the smoke of the crackers.
We often see the urban skyline being blanketed under a thick layer of smog which refuses to dissipate for quite a few days after Diwali. During this time, restrict your activities outdoors if possible. It is advised to wear a mask at all times when stepping out during this phase.

“Don’t go for a walk in the smog and don’t exercise in the open. Avoid exercising early in the morning. Exercise indoors, ” says Dr .

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