Asthma, smoker's cough and co With Respiratory Diseases on New Year's Eve not going outdoors

People with respiratory diseases are better off on New Year's Eve
In many countries of the world, the New Year is greeted with a magnificent fireworks display. But not all people should go out on New Year's Eve. Those who suffer from respiratory diseases, the colorful spectacle looks better from the inside.

Health hazards in New Year's Eve
At the turn of the year, the sky will shine again in bright colors. Although the glittering rockets usually delight young and old alike, the new year's firework display threatens health hazards. For example, Böller and Co may cause burns or injuries to their hands. In addition, the bang burdens the ears. Some people should not go out on New Year's Eve anyway.

People with respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD should better watch the New Year's Eve fireworks from inside. The resulting smoke and particulate matter can pose a health risk to them. (Image: eyetronic / fotolia.com)

Marvel at fireworks from inside
Anyone who suffers from a respiratory disease, looks better from the New Year's Eve fireworks from inside.

Because the resulting smoke and fine dust can pose a health risk for patients with chronic lung diseases such as bronchial asthma or COPD (smoker's cough).

This is what the pulmonary physicians of the Federal Association of Pulmonologists (BdP) have pointed out on the Internet portal "Pulmonary Physicians in the Net".

Up to 30 toxic metal compounds
According to the experts, different metal compounds such as lead or arsenic for the color blue and strontium salts for the color red are added to the black powder in order to achieve different color effects with the New Year's Eve rockets.

"In this respect, the air after larger fireworks can contain particulate matter with up to thirty toxic metal compounds that penetrate deep into the lungs due to their small diameter of a few micrometers, where they can cause inflammatory reactions," explained Dr. Andreas Hellmann, Chairman of the BdP.

"This represents a real challenge for lung patients with health risks - especially for COPD patients who already suffer from respiratory problems such as respiratory distress, coughing and sputum," said the physician.

Do not stand directly in the wind direction
In asthmatics irritants can trigger a seizure. In order to inhale as little particulate matter as possible from firework rockets that have been shot down, patients with chronic lung disease should be careful not to stand directly in the direction of the smoke.

"It's certainly even better to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve from a safe distance or from a closed window," Dr. Hellmann.

It is better to postpone walks in the new year to a time when the smoke has completely cleared and the air is clean again. This can take a few days in big cities. (Ad)