CARE Hospitals doctors warn against firecracker injuries, respiratory problems during Diwali
Hyderabad, Nov 6 (TNT): Doctors at CARE Hospitals have cautioned people against firecracker-related burns, eye injuries and respiratory problems during Diwali celebrations, particularly warning that children, elderly people and those with pre-existing lung and heart conditions are more vulnerable.
Dr P Shiva Kumar, Senior Consultant and Head of Emergency Medicine at CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, said firecracker injuries could range from minor burns to serious damage to the hands, face and eyes. Bystanders, particularly children, were also at risk from flying sparks and debris, the hospitals said in a release on Friday.
He advised people to burst firecrackers only in open spaces, maintain a safe distance and ensure children were supervised by adults.
Cotton clothing was preferable to loose or synthetic garments, while unexploded firecrackers should neither be approached immediately nor relit.
On first aid for burns, Dr Shiva Kumar recommended cooling the affected area under running water for 20 minutes and cautioned against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, turmeric or other household remedies. Blisters should not be broken, and the affected area should be loosely covered with a clean, non-stick dressing.
He also warned that firecracker-related eye injuries could potentially affect vision. People should avoid rubbing or applying pressure to an injured eye or attempting to remove embedded particles and should seek immediate medical attention.
Dr Sudhir Prasad, Senior Pulmonologist at CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, said firecracker smoke contained fine particulate matter and harmful gases that could irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions.
Exposure could trigger coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, while people with existing cardiovascular conditions could also face additional risks due to high pollution levels.
Children and elderly people were particularly susceptible, while patients with respiratory ailments could experience worsening symptoms even after short periods of exposure, he said.
Dr Sudhir advised patients with asthma and COPD to continue prescribed medication, keep inhalers accessible and avoid areas with heavy smoke.
People should limit outdoor activities when air quality was poor, keep doors and windows closed during periods of heavy smoke and avoid crowded areas where firecrackers were being used.
A properly fitted N95 mask could help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter outdoors, though it did not protect against harmful gases, he added.
The doctors urged families to keep first-aid supplies handy and seek immediate medical attention in cases of severe burns, eye injuries, chest pain and serious breathing difficulties.
Timely first aid and medical intervention could prevent complications and reduce health risks during the festive season.
TNT TS
