Diwali 2026: Can firecracker smoke trigger sudden asthma attacks? Doctor explains |
Diwali 2026: Can firecracker smoke trigger sudden asthma attacks? Doctor explains
A mild cough after fireworks could signal worsening asthma. A respiratory specialist explains how firecracker smoke affects breathing and when to seek help.
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........