New Delhi: The pre-Diwali cleaning marathon may be doing more than making homes festive-ready. Doctors warn that the process can release a cocktail of dust, mould spores and chemical irritants into indoor air, creating breathing problems even as the city braces for another round of pollution.The concern is particularly acute this year, with the capital already experiencing very poor air quality and pollution levels threatening to worsen further. Pulmonologists say concentrated exposure to resuspended dust and cleaning fumes can aggravate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while also causing coughing, sneezing, wheezing and breathlessness in people without a pre-existing respiratory condition.Dr (Maj) Rajesh Bhardwaj, founder of MedFirst ENT Centre, says symptoms that begin immediately after dust exposure, such as repeated sneezing, itching, watery nasal discharge and occasional coughing, are more likely to indicate an allergic reaction. Fever, body aches, a progressively worsening sore throat and persistent cough may point to an infection.“Allergies do not require antibiotics,” he cautions, advising people against taking such medicines without medical guidance.The danger can be greater when dust exposure combines with fumes from bleach and other strong cleaning agents.Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital, explains that these particles and chemicals can damage the airway lining, increase mucus production and trigger inflammation. Chemical irritants can also stimulate sensory nerves in the respiratory tract, causing sudden narrowing of the airways.In people with compromised lungs, this can affect oxygen exchange and cause desaturation.“Patients with asthma and COPD may experience an exacerbation of their existing condition and require an escalation of their treatment,” she says.Even people without a prior diagnosis may develop sudden wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness after exposure to strong cleaning products.Dr RS Mishra, principal director and head of internal medicine at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, points out that the health impact of pollution extends beyond the respiratory system. Fine particles such as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and placing additional stress on the heart and blood vessels.Children, older people, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable.Doctors recommend replacing the annual cleaning marathon with smaller, staggered cleaning sessions throughout the year. Damp dusting and wet cleaning should replace dry sweeping, while a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce exposure when cleaning dusty areas. People should avoid excessive use of harsh chemical products and keep those with respiratory illnesses away from the cleaning area.
