How to overcome air pollution during Diwali if you have asthma – 8 simple steps!

Here are a few things you can do to survive Diwali pollution, especially if you suffer from asthma.

Asthma

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is supposed to be a celebration time. However, the festival of lights that has been celebrated for ages in India can be a time of torture for millions of people suffering from asthma.

The smoke and pollution coming out from firecrackers can make the situation worse for asthmatics, giving rise to the following symptoms - coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and

shortness of breath.

This is because firecracker bursting during Diwali increases the pollution level, with toxic fumes from fireworks raising the particulate matter content in the air above permissible limit.

Because of high pollution levels, people suffering from asthma and chronic pulmonary disease are the worst affected.

While the safest thing to do is leave town or city and head for the cleaner air of the hills, here are a few things you can do to survive Diwali pollution, especially if you have asthma:

• This may be difficult, but try to avoid places where people are bursting firecrackers that contain harmful chemicals in it.
• Also avoid noise pollution as it can affect health in various ways.
• Wear a face mask if you can't avoid places where people are bursting crackers or the area that you live in happens to be polluted. Opt for anti-pollution face mask that can exhaust fumes from making their way into the respiratory system.
• Avoid going outside, try to stay indoors with the air condition on if possible, to keep you from feeling too suffocated.
• Make sure that you take your medication regularly if prescribed.
• Always keep a rescue inhaler with you all the time as you never know when you're going to need it.
• Eat a nutritious foods consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables. This may improve your overall health as well as your asthma symptoms.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent hyperacidity.

Even if you don't have asthma, try to follow the above guidelines to avoid pollution as well as reduce the risk of suffering health complications due to the bursting of crackers during Diwali.