The Department of Health (DOH) warned that children and senior citizens are most vulnerable to bronchial asthma caused by smoke from firecrackers and fireworks.

Based on the DOH surveillance days before the New Year, children aged zero to nine years old and senior citizens are most affected by firework smoke.

Four cases of asthma were recorded in children aged zero to nine years old, while four cases were also logged in those aged 60 to 69.

"May mga kaibigan akong may asthma, lumalabas sila ng Maynila, pumupunta sila ng probinsya kasi talagang hindi sila makahinga (I have friends who have asthma, they leave Manila and go to the provinces because they really couldn't breathe here)," DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

"Dangerous yan. May mga cases kami sa emergency, hindi tumatalab yung inhaler nila kasi hindi na ma-reserve dahil sa irritation, mga particle ng paputok (It's dangerous. We have cases in the emergency room where they tell us their inhalers don't work anymore for them due to irritation and particles from the fireworks)," Herbosa explained.

The Health chief enjoined anew the public to join community fireworks hosted by local government units instead.

Herbosa also advised to just close the windows to not inhale too much smoke as the New Year celebration nears.

"Kung ang bahay niyo kaya namang masara ang mga bintana para hindi kayo maapektuhan, that's the best way for the asthmatic (If you can close the windows in your house so you are not affected by the smoke, better)," he continued.

"Even pet dogs affected yan sa usok, na-i-inhale nila (Even pet dogs get affected by the smoke because they also inhale it)," he added.

According to the DOH, bronchial asthma is a chronic airway inflammation causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. This is often triggered by genetics, dust, allergens, or infections.

The Health agency earlier assured that all hospitals nationwide have been placed under Code White until 6 January to ensure readiness for medical emergencies, including asthma exacerbations.