New Delhi: Diwali means lights, sweets, family gatherings and celebrations. But for someone living with asthma, the festive excitement can quickly turn
into a breathing nightmare. The reason? Firecracker smoke. While most people associate crackers with noise and air pollution, the smoke they release can trigger a sudden asthma attack, sometimes within minutes of exposure.
And here’s what makes it concerning. A person with asthma may feel completely fine throughout the day, only to develop coughing, wheezing or chest tightness after stepping outside during fireworks. So, what exactly happens inside the lungs when someone with asthma breathes in firecracker smoke? And how can you tell when a simple cough is turning into something serious?
Why can firecracker smoke trigger an asthma attack?
Speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, Dr Manav Manchanda, Director and Head of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, explained why people with asthma need to be particularly careful during Diwali celebrations.
Asthma irritates the airways, making them more sensitive to things like smoke, dust and pollution. Firecrackers are particularly problematic, as they emit a mixture of tiny particles, gases, and chemical irritants into the air.
According to Dr Manchanda, these pollutants can irritate the respiratory system and cause the airways to react quickly.
“One thing I want people to understand is that asthma is a condition in which the airways are extremely sensitive to external triggers. Firecracker smoke can be particularly problematic because it exposes the respiratory system to a concentrated mix of fine particles, toxic gases and chemical irritants,” the doctor explained.
When an asthmatic breathes in the smoke, it can inflame their airways, make them produce more mucus and constrict. This leaves less room for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Dr Manchanda explained, “When a person with asthma inhales this smoke, the airways can react almost immediately. The lining of the air passages becomes inflamed, excess mucus may be produced and the muscles surrounding the airways tighten. As a result, the passages become narrower, making breathing difficult. This is why someone who was feeling perfectly fine earlier in the day may suddenly develop coughing, wheezing or chest tightness after exposure to firecrackers.”
Is it just a cough or the beginning of an asthma attack?
Dr Manchanda warned that even mild irritation can sometimes develop into a more serious episode, “I have seen people underestimate these symptoms because they initially resemble a regular cough or seasonal allergy. However, in someone with asthma, even a seemingly minor irritation can develop into an acute asthma exacerbation. The intensity of the reaction depends on the individual’s airway sensitivity, existing asthma control and duration of exposure.”
A person who has poorly controlled asthma may react differently than a person whose asthma is generally well controlled. It also matters how much smoke you breathe in and how long you’re exposed.
Special care needed for asthmatic children during Diwali
Dr Manchanda said, “I would particularly ask parents to be careful with children who have asthma. Children may not always be able to explain that they are struggling to breathe. Persistent coughing, unusual tiredness, rapid breathing or difficulty participating in normal activities should not be ignored.”
For example, a child who suddenly stops playing, becomes tired without exertion or starts breathing faster than normal may be having trouble breathing.
Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack
Dr Manchanda highlighted the symptoms that require urgent attention. “Some important warning signs include breathlessness even while resting, difficulty speaking complete sentences, chest retractions, bluish lips or poor response to the prescribed rescue inhaler. These indicate a potentially serious attack and require immediate medical attention,” he told us.
How can asthma patients stay safe from firecracker smoke?
Dr Manchanda advised, “My recommendation is to avoid taking asthmatic patients near firecracker activity altogether. Keep their prescribed inhalers accessible, follow their asthma action plan and do not discontinue regular controller medication simply because symptoms have improved.”
Can repeated exposure to firecracker smoke make asthma worse?
Repeated exposure to smoke can continue irritating the respiratory system and make asthma symptoms more difficult to control.
Dr Manchanda explained, “I also want to emphasise that repeated exposure is not harmless. Even if symptoms settle temporarily, continued exposure can prolong airway inflammation and worsen asthma control. Prevention is always better than waiting for an attack to happen.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on the research and inputs shared by the doctor mentioned above and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be considered medical advice or used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
