Holi, the festival of colors, excitement, and delicious food, is celebrated all over the country. This festival is special in many ways. Everyone waits for Gujiya-Thandai and delicious dishes throughout the year. Apart from this, we express our love by applying colors to each other and hugging. But remember, amid all this happiness, our health should not be ignored at all.

People who have diabetes should take special care during Holi, there can be a risk of increasing sugar levels due to bad eating habits. Just like diabetes, patients suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis are also advised to be alert about health during Holi.

Synthetic colors, micro particles present in the air, and smoke coming out of bonfires can lead to serious respiratory problems. Even a little carelessness while playing Holi can trigger asthma, about which it is important to be careful.

This does not mean that you cannot play Holi. Asthma patients can enjoy the festival by keeping some things in mind. What should you do and what should you not do? Let's know how to avoid asthma triggers.

Holi and respiratory problems

How can respiratory patients take care of their health during Holi? To understand this, we spoke to Dr Sanjay Sahay, a pulmonologist at a private hospital in Pune. The doctor says, Holi is a festival of happiness and colors, but it can be troublesome for asthma patients. The chemicals present in the colors and the fine particles of gulal can increase breathing problems, so asthma patients must take precautions while playing Holi.

After Holi, the number of respiratory patients in OPD often increases, so take some precautions in advance to avoid any problems during the festival time.

What is the doctor's advice?

Dr Sanjay says respiratory patients should be careful from the time of Holika Dahan till the end of Holi. The smoke and heat emitted during Holika Dahan can increase breathing problems.

It is important to wear a mask while going out of the house on Holi so that you can be protected from the pollutants present in the air. Also, keep a distance from colors, and clean the color around the face and nose immediately. Holi colors dehydrate the body, due to which breathing problems also increase. Synthetic colors may contain lead, mercury, sulfate, and other toxic substances which are dangerous for the lungs.

If you ever feel that breathing problems or cough has increased, then immediately consult your doctor.

What should respiratory patients do during Holi?

Health experts say, to enjoy the festival fully and avoid respiratory problems, use only herbal or natural colors. Wear a mask while going out of the house to avoid gulal and pollutants present in the air. Along with a nutritious and healthy diet, keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Always keep the inhaler or other medicines given by the doctor with you so that the problem of asthma does not increase.

Keep these things in mind.

Stay away from the smoke of Holika Dahan as it can cause breathing problems.
If you have a lot of allergies or asthma problems, then avoid playing Holi.
Do not run around too much, too much activity can cause shortness of breath.
Avoid any kind of intoxication during Holi. Smoking and alcohol can worsen your symptoms.

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