Although fireworks form the core of Diwali festivities, they emit dangerous pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These last for hours in the atmosphere and also exacerbate asthma attacks.
Invite your family members to opt for a low-smoke or silent Diwali by having a light, diya, and rangoli celebration.
If there are fireworks nearby, have children indoors with windows and doors shut. Utilise air purifiers, if available, to keep indoor air clean. Prevent children from playing with sparklers or approaching too close to lit crackers, as even temporary exposure can produce coughing or wheezing.
Keep the Environment Clean and Allergen-FreeIn the festive season, houses tend to be filled with decorative pieces, flowers, and candles. Though they make the house festive, some trigger asthma.
- Ditch strong perfumes: Perceptible candles, incense sticks, and air fresheners can trigger the respiratory system. Opt for unscented versions or use electric diyas instead.
- Dust away: Holiday cleaning can raise dust, which can cause asthma. Clean step by step ahead of time and ensure your child is not present when sweeping or dusting.
- Be on the lookout for allergens: Dried flowers, worn cloth, and kept ornaments can harbour dust mites or mould. Clean them off before they are used.
Proper ventilation must be maintained, particularly when homes become lighted with candles, lights, and visitors. Following any firework activity in the neighbourhood, don't open windows directly to avoid smoke from pouring inside. Instead, utilize exhaust fans or air purifiers to continue circulating clean air inside.
Keep medications within ReachAlways keep your child’s rescue inhaler within reach during the celebrations, especially if you’re visiting relatives or attending community gatherings. It is worthwhile to know that inhalers with a spacer, with or without a mask, are easy to use and are quite effective in relieving asthma symptoms, even in very young children. In asthmatics, nebulisers are usually reserved for sick patients and hospitalised individuals and are not recommended for routine use at home. Nebulisers, when used, have to be under supervision and are to be administered with oxygen.
Inform close family members and friends about your child’s condition so they can help in case of an emergency. if your child is developing signs of an asthma attack, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or tiredness, take action according to the doctor's instructions. Do not wait to seek medical treatment if symptoms get worse.
Select Healthier Festive ActivitiesDiwali is more about togetherness than anything else. Concentrate on activities that are safe for your child, for example, diyas decorating, sweets making, making rangoli, or family games. These activities enable them to enjoy the celebratory mood of the festival without being exposed to smoke or allergens.
Encourage changes at the community level also. Several schools and resident associations now encourage green Diwali celebrations. Engaging in such activities helps to raise awareness and make the environment safer for all, particularly children.
