Health · Public Health & Disease · 11 hrs ago
Pulmonologist warns of lung risks from Diwali air pollution
During Diwali, firecracker smoke and poor air quality can harm the lungs, including through tiny particles that travel deep into the body.
Pulmonologist Dr Uday Kiran G of Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada says people with asthma, COPD or allergic rhinitis are especially vulnerable, as are children and older adults.
Even people without known breathing problems may develop coughing, wheezing, throat irritation or shortness of breath.
Persistent cough, chest tightness or wheezing can signal airway inflammation, while needing rescue inhalers more often or struggling with usual activity may also be warning signs.
To reduce exposure, the advice is to check local AQI, keep windows closed during peak firecracker activity and use an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter if available.
Wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 outdoors when necessary, and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when pollution is high.
These precautions are recommended for a few days after Diwali, and worsening symptoms or poor response to rescue medicine should prompt a check-in with a doctor.
Pulmonologist Dr Uday Kiran G warned that Diwali firecracker pollution can harm the lungs.
Fine particles and toxic gases can irritate airways, and PM2.5 particles can enter the bloodstream.
People with asthma, COPD or allergic rhinitis, as well as children and older adults, are especially vulnerable.
Possible warning signs include persistent coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
The pulmonologist advised checking air quality, limiting outdoor activity and wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask when outside.
- Who
- Dr Uday Kiran G, a consultant in pulmonology at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada.
- What
- He warned about lung risks from Diwali air pollution and shared protective advice.
- When
- Around Diwali; the article was published on 2026-11-08.
- Where
- The article discusses air pollution in Delhi-NCR and identifies the pulmonologist’s hospital as being in Vijayawada.
- Why
- Firecracker smoke and other combustion emissions release fine particles and toxic gases that can irritate airways and harm respiratory health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Pulmonologist
- Dr Uday Kiran G
- Hospital
- Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada
- Particle size
- PM2.5 particles are described as 2.5 microns
- Vulnerable groups
- Children, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD or allergic rhinitis
- Recommended masks
- Well-fitted N95 or KN95 respirators
What people are saying
The primary concern during festive pollution spikes is high concentrations of fine particulate matter (2.5 micron) and toxic gases released by combustion. Because PM2.5 particles are extremely small, they penetrate deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and severe airway irritation.