Introduction:
Diwali is the biggest festival in India, and it is celebrated with great pomp and show. However, the festival is also associated with a significant increase in air pollution levels. This is due to the burning of firecrackers and the use of other polluting materials. The air pollution during Diwali can have a serious impact on people with asthma, as it can trigger their symptoms and make their condition worse.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can make breathing difficult and can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by a number of factors, including allergens, irritants, and exercise.

How does air pollution affect asthma?
Air pollution can affect asthma in a number of ways. First, it can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Second, air pollution can damage the lungs and make them more susceptible to asthma attacks. Third, air pollution can increase the inflammation in the airways, which can make asthma worse.
How does air pollution during Diwali affect asthma?
The air pollution during Diwali is particularly harmful to people with asthma. This is because the pollution levels can be very high and the pollutants can be very toxic. The pollutants released during Diwali can include:
● Particulate matter (PM): PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
● Sulfur dioxide (SO2): SO2 is a gas that can irritate the airways and make it difficult to breathe.
● Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): NO2 is a gas that can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.
● Ozone (O3): O3 is a gas that can damage the lungs and make them more susceptible to asthma attacks.
What can people with asthma do to protect themselves from air pollution during
Diwali?
There are a number of things that people with asthma can do to protect themselves from air pollution during Diwali:
● Avoid going outdoors during the peak pollution hours: The pollution levels are typically highest during the morning and evening hours. If possible, people with asthma should avoid going outdoors during these times.
● Wear a mask when going outdoors: A mask can help to filter out some of the pollutants in the air. People with asthma should wear a mask when they have to go outdoors during the Diwali season.
● Use an air purifier in their home: An air purifier can help to remove pollutants from the air inside the home. People with asthma should use an air purifier in their home, especially during the Diwali season.
● Take their asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor: People with asthma should take their asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor, even if they are feeling well. This will help to prevent asthma attacks.
How to reduce air pollution during Diwali
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce air pollution during Diwali:
● Reduce the use of firecrackers: Firecrackers are one of the biggest sources of air pollution during Diwali. People should try to reduce their use of firecrackers or avoid using them altogether.
● Use eco-friendly firecrackers: There are a number of eco-friendly firecrackers available on the market. These firecrackers produce less pollution than traditional firecrackers.
● Use alternative methods to celebrate Diwali: There are a number of alternative ways to celebrate Diwali that do not produce air pollution. For example, people can celebrate Diwali with candles, diyas, and flowers.

Conclusion:
Air pollution during Diwali can have a serious impact on people with asthma. People with asthma can protect themselves from air pollution during Diwali by avoiding going outdoors during the peak pollution hours, wearing a mask when going outdoors, using an air purifier in their home, and taking their asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor. Air pollution during Diwali can be reduced by reducing the use of firecrackers, using eco-friendly
firecrackers, and using alternative methods to celebrate Diwali.