Heart-strengthening is important but people are forgetting to take care of their breath! Lungs-strengthening is a new essential of healthcare. Due to the rise of respiratory disorders among all ages, doctors and physicians are concerning about the future.

Respiratory diseases are conditions affecting the conducting airways and parenchymal structures of the lungs. They present a cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or chest tightness as common symptoms. Pulmonary pathology may be induced by or exacerbated by several factors. The major ones include air pollution and tobacco smoke-inhaled as well as infectious and allergic components. Major health issues are-

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• Bronchitis, and
• Pneumonia

Firecrackers are mostly used during festivals, for instance, during the Diwali festival in India. They emit a lot of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1), toxic metals, and even a lot of harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants give immediate irritation but they go deep inside the lungs’ alveoli and manifest an inflammatory reaction that would exacerbate any disease condition related to respiration. This kind of pollution particularly and more severely attacks the victims of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who must receive medical treatment when they experience these attacks.Even normal healthy people may also suffer from problems related to shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing due to acute attacks during festive seasons.

Green Crackers: Are They a Safer Alternative?

In the wake of rising efforts at controlling air pollution, CSIR-NEERI designed “Green Crackers” which reduce emissions by about 30%. Manufacturers of firecrackers use eco-friendly raw materials that include safer materials, replacing metals like barium with less toxic ones. They also reduce shell sizes and incorporate dust suppressants that assist in releasing water vapor to suppress particulate matter. Only recently did India’s Supreme Court allow their limited usage under stringent guidelines.

Experts say that green crackers are not entirely free from pollution. Laboratory tests show that they still release ultrafine particulates-common particles capable of getting deep inside the lungs and into the blood as well as tissues of respiratory tracts with chemicals-that can irritate respiratory tissues with chemicals. In a city as polluted as Delhi, the positive effect which green crackers give is very nominal. Besides, fake or wrongly labeled crackers further pollute and nullify whatever benefit is assumed. Doctors recommend people who have any respiratory or heart condition not expose themselves at festivals since reduced levels of pollution can be a serious health risk. In this regard, green crackers mitigate harm and are far from being the solution.

Diet and Exercise for Respiratory Health and Recovery

Nutrition and fitness improve lung recovery and simultaneously build strength against further damage that pollution may cause.

1. Diet– The best food to eat for protection of the tissues of the lungs includes those containing antioxidants and nutrients fighting inflammation. Meals should include fruits and vegetables, berries, oranges, leafy greens, and carrots among others. Omega three fatty acids in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds reduce inflammation in the airways. It is also important to avoid processed foods, overly salted foods, and refined sugars because these promote inflammation.

2. Hydration– Take a lot of fluids to keep wet the linings of your airways because when they are moist. It facilitates the clearance of mucus and supports good respiratory health.

3. Exercise– Moderate aerobic exercises such as yoga at regular intervals comprise walking cycling or swimming helps a lot in strengthening the respiratory muscles increasing the capacity of the lung as well as on endurance. Exercise assists in the mobilization of secretion thus enhancing breathing.

4. Breathing techniques: Breathing techniques include diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing that will increase oxygen intake and relieve shortness of breath. These techniques are useful for patients suffering from diseases such as asthma and COPD.

In polluted conditions, people should refrain from outdoor exercise. It is not only required during high smog days but also for a few days after the use of firecrackers. This will help them to prevent exacerbating respiratory ailments.

The quality of the air people breathe determines their respiratory health. Firecracker pollution affects the health of the lungs of all people and particularly poses danger to vulnerable groups. Green crackers may result in relatively less pollution, compared to ordinary firecrackers. They will still be emitting harmful elements and do not constitute a perfectly safe alternative. The prevention of exposure to firecracker smoke, healthy lifestyle choices- a balanced diet and exercise- and cleaner, non-polluting celebrations are good lung health promotion interventions. Raising the community’s awareness, having more stringent regulations, and adopting non-polluting alternatives are steps – imperative towards cleaner air and healthier lungs for everybody.