Noida: Hospitals across Noida and Ghaziabad reported a spike in emergency cases on Diwali night and the following day, with at least 25 people brought to the district hospital in the city with burn injuries. While no severe burns were reported, several patients suffered facial burns from crackers. Breathlessness and other respiratory complaints were also common.Doctors said outpatient departments saw a rise in allergy and respiratory cases on Monday. They attributed it to high AQI levels, which may have worsened breathing difficulties among residents. Doctors also said the number of firecracker-related injuries appeared higher this year, raising concerns about increased cracker use during the festival.The chief medical superintendent at Noida district hospital told TOI, “Many people tend to underestimate burn injuries immediately after an incident. However, the actual extent of tissue damage may become apparent only after several hours. Blisters, swelling and pain can develop later, and patients often seek medical attention the following day.”A doctor at the hospital said they treated around six firecracker injuries that included facial burns. “The apparent increase in firecracker-related injuries has also raised questions about the volume and nature of crackers sold this year. The use of firecrackers may have been higher than last year, possibly because restrictions were perceived to be less stringent this time. There were also suspicions that old or unsold stocks from previous years, when restrictions were tighter, may have entered the market,” the doctor added.Doctors also cautioned against dismissing respiratory symptoms following prolonged exposure to firecracker smoke and high pollution. “With AQI readings touching extremely hazardous levels, exposure to concentrated particulate matter and toxic gases can cause inflammation of the airways, trigger bronchospasm and aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis,” said a senior doctor at the hospital.He went on to add, “There have been a couple of breathing-related cases, especially among people of old age and young children. At such extreme pollution levels, fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the alveoli, affecting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Exposure can cause coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and breathlessness. Those with existing respiratory conditions, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.”According to the doctor, an AQI reading above 900, if recorded on a non-standard or local monitoring scale, would indicate exceptionally severe pollution exposure. Fine particles such as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into lung tissue, trigger inflammation and, with sustained exposure, contribute to cardiovascular complications.Doctors said the rise in respiratory and allergy complaints was likely linked to the combined impact of firecracker emissions and already elevated pollution levels.
