Spurt in respiratory illnesses post Deepavali

Burning sparklers at home, bursting crackers in closed spaces and the sheer proximity to resultant smoke have landed several people in hospitals. Doctors say that they have seen a 40 per cent rise in the number of cases.  Dr K Thiruppathi, a pulmonologist, says, “As predicted, there has been an increase in the numbers. In fact, I had three patients from the same family complaining of a sudden bout of wheezing. They had burnt sparklers inside the house and the smoke had triggered the reaction.”

Doctors say that though there is enough awareness created by them among patients, there were cases from mild to severe reactions.  “I think awareness can change the scene in the long run; people today are open to taking precautions ahead of Deepavali. But with the excitement surrounding crackers, especially among the younger age group, there is a tendency to go overboard. As a result, they end up inhaling carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide that is emitted when crackers are burst. These are extremely bad for the respiratory system and with pre-existing conditions like bronchitis, asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” says Dr D Vijayasekaran, paediatric pulmonologist. 

However, it is not just those with the pre-existing conditions who suffer.  Dr Prasanna Kumar Thomas, pulmonologist, Fortis Malar, says, “There are new complaints of breathing difficulties among all age groups and it settles down in a few days.” While treatment involves antibiotics, diet and sleep, the body is also equipped to handle the reaction, says Dr Vijayasekaran. Dr Thiruppathi adds that it takes at least three to five days for the patients to be back on their feet. “Severe cases need hospitalisation and thankfully, I haven’t had anyone requiring hospitalisation so far,” he says.