Everybody's excited about Diwali, but the festival of lights and fireworks leaves some positively breathless. That's because people with breathing disorders can't stand the general haze of smoke that's everywhere on Diwali, as it leaves them coughing and gasping for breath.

FESTIVE FUMES

You can't avoid the smoke and pollution - it's going to be everywhere tonight - but you can take extra care and avoid a situation which may begin with slight wheezing, but end up in an attack which can be difficult to control. Dr. Neeraj Jain, senior consultant, department of chest medicine, Ganga Ram Hospital, suggests, "Asthma patients should take preventive medicines well ahead of Diwali - mild precautionary inhalations and medication prior to the prolonged exposure to smoke and fumes. One should limit exposure to smoke as much as possible, not only today, but till early morning tomorrow, so that the air is totally clean and smoke-free."

Dr. Suparna Popli, physiologist, agrees. "It's better not to be exposed to smoke at all." That's hard, though - children will be children, and sometimes, even adults join in since everyone around them is enjoying themselves so much. "If at all they are, they can wear masks. Though masks don't ensure total prevention, they are still better than direct contact with the smoke, and they should carry their inhaler with them," adds Dr. Popli.

LIGHTING IT UP

While in the festive mood, it's just as hard to avoid heavy, fried snacks and sweets. But those with breathing disorders do need to keep a check on themselves. Dr. Meenakshi Rajput, general practitioner, explains, "It's a given that we tend to gorge on mithai, chocolates, cold drinks, and fast food as well. Try to minimise the intake of heavy snacks as it leads to bloating – which also triggers breathlessness – and eat light." Since we can't avoid chocolates and sweets, Dr. Jain suggests, "void extremely chilled drinks as it aggravates wheezing."

So make a strong case for an eco-friendly Diwali, enjoy with family and friends, and breathe easy tonight, on the festival of lights.