Post Deepavali, city sees spike in respiratory diseases

Days after Deepavali, the city hospitals are seeing a rise in the cases of respiratory ailments such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), rhinitis (an allergy that causes the inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose) among others.

According to doctors from the city, there has been at least 10% increase in the number of patients in the out-patient departments in the hospitals.

“Chronic lung disease and intestinal lung diseases have been rising after Deepavali. This is predominantly due to the deterioration of the air quality,” said Dr Hirenappa Udnur, consultant pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal.

He added that it is dangerous, especially for those with established lung conditions. They may get sudden asthma attacks and their existing lung condition may worsen further.

Some crackers used during Deepavali celebrations give out more smoke and the particulate matter that it emits are extremely fine. This can go inside the lung and the blood stream often creating blocks inside heart or breathing difficulties, he said.

Dr Padma Sundaram, consultant pulmonologist, Manipal Hospitals, said that such pulmonary infections affect all age-groups during Deepavali.

“There is around 30% increase in the number of patients coming to the hospitals with respiratory issues, especially asthma and COPDs,” she said.

Doctors expect more number of cases to get detected in the coming days.

Dr Padma said that the smoke from crackers worsens the already existing pollution levels in the air.

Doctors suggest that the authorities should take urgent measures to curb the use of firecrackers during celebrations or impose a ban on the bursting of crackers which was in force during the celebrations in National Capital Region following the order by the supreme court.

DH News Service