Patna: Firecracker-related injuries during Diwali celebrations left more than 100 people injured across Patna district, with major hospitals reporting a surge in patients suffering from eye injuries, burns, head injuries and road accidents.
At the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), 25 patients with firecracker-related eye injuries were brought to the ophthalmology department over two days. Twelve of them had suffered ruptured eyeballs, while four patients were reported to be in critical condition and undergoing treatment to save their vision.
Most of the eye injury victims were children, according to the hospital.
At Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), 48 patients were admitted to the emergency department between 6pm on Diwali night and 3am the following morning.
12 Patients Suffer Ruptured Eyeballs At IGIMS
Prof Dr Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, head of the ophthalmology department at IGIMS, said 25 patients with firecracker-related eye injuries arrived on Diwali.
Of these, 12 had suffered ruptured eyeballs. Five more patients reported to the hospital on Monday, four of whom had sustained similar injuries and were in critical condition.
The critically injured patients have been admitted and are receiving treatment, with doctors performing surgeries in an effort to save their vision. Other patients were examined in the outpatient department (OPD) and discharged.
PMCH Treats 48 Emergency Patients Overnight
At PMCH, the 48 patients admitted during the overnight period included 11 people with firecracker-related burns, 20 with head injuries and 16 injured in road accidents.
PMCH Superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh said special arrangements had been made in the emergency department for Diwali.
The triage team was kept on high alert to ensure patients received immediate treatment according to the severity of their injuries. One doctor from the dermatology department and four doctors from the plastic surgery department were assigned additional duties.
Over 4,900 Patients Visit PMCH And IGIMS OPDs
The two hospitals also reported substantial patient footfall in their outpatient departments during the Diwali period.
PMCH treated 2,650 OPD patients, while IGIMS attended to 2,250 patients.
According to Dr Singh, many patients reported respiratory complaints, including asthma and breathlessness, along with eye-related problems, burns and headaches.
Firecracker Smoke Raises Respiratory Health Concerns
Firecracker smoke and fine particulate matter can worsen air quality and trigger respiratory difficulties, eye irritation and allergic reactions.
Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable. Even otherwise healthy individuals may experience symptoms following exposure to polluted air.
Fine particles released by firecrackers can enter the respiratory system and reach the lungs, causing coughing, sore throat, chest tightness and breathing difficulties. People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience worsening symptoms.
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions have been advised to continue taking prescribed medicines and using inhalers as directed by their doctors. They should avoid going outdoors when pollution levels are high and wear a well-fitted N95 mask if stepping outside is unavoidable.
