Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great fervour across India. However, the traditional use of firecrackers can significantly impact air quality, leading to a surge in respiratory problems. Firecrackers produce toxic fumes, which may cause chest discomfort or congestion in many individuals. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Given these risks, it's crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your lungs during the festive season. Additionally, it's important to be mindful of indoor air quality by keeping homes well-ventilated and using air purifiers. Dr. Salil Bendre, Director, pulmonology and chest medicine at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital (Vile Parle, Mumbai) and Dr. Anusha C M, consultant, respiratory medicine at Manipal Hospital (Malleshwaram) outline the impact of air pollution during Diwali, precautions to be taken, and practical tips that will help you to protect your respiratory health.