M'sian Artistes' Dad Dies Of Asthma Attack After Inhaling Firecracker Smoke During CNY
The 80-year-old man was in a coma for eight days.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 19 Feb 2024, 01:07 PM
Nick and Stella Chung, Malaysian artistes and siblings, have lost their father to an asthma attack triggered by inhaling smoke from firecrackers
On his Instagram Stories last week, Nick shared that the incident occurred after their family's Chinese New Year reunion dinner on 9 February, during which they lit up firecrackers to usher in the new year, reported China Press.
"My father likes to watch firecrackers. He accidentally inhaled the smoke and suffered a severe asthma attack. He suddenly had difficulty breathing, becoming purple, stiff, and cold," he said.
Nick rushed his father to the hospital, where he was informed that his father's heartbeat had stopped. Although doctors were able to resuscitate him, he subsequently slipped into a coma.
Following the incident, both Nick and Stella posted multiple times on Instagram, expressing their hope for their father to wake up.
However, their 80-year-old father died last Saturday, 17 February
The siblings thanked family and friends for attending their father's wake, and received condolences from many of their fans on Instagram.
Nick and Stella have been in the local entertainment industry for over a decade, having released a Chinese New Year album as early as 2014, reported The Borneo Post.
The Sarawak-born siblings began their careers in acting but have since ventured into music, releasing over a dozen albums.
Experts have cautioned about the risks that firecrackers and fireworks pose to asthma patients
Before major celebrations over the past few years, news outlets in India and the UK have cautioned members of the public about the danger of smoke emitted by firecrackers, fireworks, and bonfires.
Last year, Oxford Mail, citing the Asthma + Lung UK website, reported that air pollution levels can be increased by fireworks and bonfires, especially when there is a large display.
"The most important thing is to make sure you've been looking after your asthma well, so you can cope better with the poor air quality at a firework display.
"You can help cut your risk of asthma symptoms and an asthma attack by always taking your preventer inhaler every day, as prescribed, going to your asthma reviews, and using a written asthma action plan," said Dr Andy Whittamore, a general practitioner at Asthma + Lung UK.
Asthma patients are also advised to maintain a distance from firework and firecracker displays, wear face masks, be prepared for emergencies, consider staying indoors, or explore alternative ways to celebrate.
