BANGALORE : If your fitness routine includes early morning walks, then you must avoid it for some weeks after Diwali. Pulmonologists across the city say the air becomes too polluted post-Diwali and early-morning smog increases

air pollution

levels, the main cause of contracting respiratory disorders like

asthma

and bronchitis and allergies like dry cough and cold during this season.

At least one out of 10 persons complain of cold, running nose, cough and respiratory disorders post-Diwali . Doctors say this is because of high level of gases like sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) in the air, which increases due to fireworks which combines with rain and can cause havoc to asthma patients.

“Pollution is more to blame than weather in winter. The smoke in air combines with rain in Bangalore during this season and can cause respiratory disorders . People should avoid early-morning and late-night walks as the air is more polluted and also smoggy air increases difficulties for asthma patients,” said Dr Ravindra Mehta, pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital.

Air pollution when combined with rain can lead to

acid rain

, which can be harmful for those who suffer from asthma and bronchitis . “Rain combines with pollution and causes allergies like cold, cough, breathing problems and skin irritation ,” said Dr Padma Sundaram, consultant pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital.

Dr H Paramesh, director and peadiatric pulmonologist, Lakeside Medical Centre and Hospital, said: “The air pollution slowly comes down once winter sets in. But rain combining with pollution during Diwali makes it difficult for people who are allergic to air pollution.”

The best way to avoid getting cold and cough these days is to cover yourself well. “People should keep away from fumes and dust. If your home has a carpet or office has wall-to-wall carpet, it’s necessary to keep it clean. Carpeted rooms can be a cause of allergy because they are the best carriers of dust mites,” said Dr Dwijenda Prasad, consultant, internal medicine, BGS Global Hospital.

How sulphur dioxide affects you health

Sulphur dioxide, one of the main components of fireworks, stimulates nerves in the lining of the nose and throat and lungs’ airways This causes a reflex cough, irritation, and a feeling of chest tightness, which may lead to narrowing of airways This is particularly likely to occur in people suffering from asthma and chronic lung disease, whose airways are often inflamed and easily irritated.

Asthma patients are generally considered most sensitive to concentrations of SO

Exercise enthusiasts are sensitive to it. This is because the gas is very reactive and consequently distribution along conductive airways of respiratory tract is non-uniform , depending on breathing volumes and types For nasal breathing with low to moderate volumes, the penetration into lungs is negligible. For oral inhalation and larger volumes, doses may reach the segmental bronchi.