Diwali: Heart, lung patients should exercise caution, say docs

"Post-Diwali it is heart patients, people suffering from high BP, diabetes and breathing problem who queue up in the hospitals as they do not abide by the precautions prescribed by doctors during such time," Dr Anoop Misra, Director and Head, Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Fortis Group of Hospitals, said.

"Since it is celebration time, people consume highly saturated food and sweets that affect those suffering from diabetes and high BP and as it is winter time too they do not exercise which lands them at the doctors' doors," he said.

"The pollution level in the air adds to the respiratory problems. Before CNG was introduced, a study was conducted at AIIMS and it was found that two days after Diwali, patients suffering from heart and lung diseases report more to the hospitals as the pollution level remains excessively high," Dr Randeep Guleria, professor, department of medicine at AIIMS, said.

Meanwhile, Delhi government is leaving no stone unturned to bring down pollution level in the city, especially during the festive season.

"We have a eco-club involving school children who through different events appeal to the masses to say no to crackers. It has been a successful attempt as over the past ten years the air pollution level has come down. This has been seen especially during the Diwali season," said B C Sabata, senior scientific officer, environment department, Delhi government.

Dr S P Byotra, a consultant with department of medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "Those with heart and lung problem should say no to crackers. One can also celebrate by watching the bursting of crackers."