On the eve of Holi, health experts in the national capital advised people with asthmatic history to stay away from any form of dry colours, powder or foam as these can lead to acute shortness of breat
On the eve of Holi, health experts in the national capital advised people with asthmatic history to stay away from any form of dry colours, powder or foam as these can lead to acute shortness of breath and can at times turn into an emergency.
They also advised people with asthma to ensure they have taken the dose of their prescribed medicine before they set out to play Holi with friends and family. Consultant, respiratory medicine, allergy and sleep disorders, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Dr Vikas Maurya said that Holi is always fraught with risks, especially for those prone to asthma or with a record of this problem.
“People suffering from asthma must ensure they have taken their dose of the prescribed medicine before they set out to play Holi with friends and family. They must also carry the spray, which can become handy in emergency. However, they can certainly play with wet, organic colours if they do not have skin allergy of any kind. Some patients with a record of asthma can suffer intestinal lung disease (ILD) fibrosis, if they inhale colours in abundance. It is recommended to be away from any dry form of colours.”
Doctors appealed to Delhiites to play a safe Holi as harmful chemical colours can cause serious ailments.
They said that the plethora of toxins and chemicals present in synthetic colours can cause a host of problems.
“These colours contain oxidised metals or industrial dyes and can cause serious harm to our health. Skin disorders like discoloration, contract dermatitis, abrasion, irritation, itching, dryness and chapped skin can be caused due to harsh chemicals present in colours which can cause itching and rash,” said Dr B.K. Singh, who runs a charitable clinic near Delhi University’s North Campus.
Doctors advised people to use natural or skin friendly and herbal colours or the ones made by reputed companies using natural products, to apply a nice layer of oil to hair before playing Holi and try to protect hair with a cap or hat and wear clothes that cover maximum parts of the body and also apply a thick layer of a good quality cream or oil on skin.
