Urban life choking many
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As the world observes World Asthma Day on Tuesday, pulmonologists said they are witnessing a rapid rise in the number of asthma patients in the city. A study, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, New Delhi and Kanpur, states the prevalence of asthma is 2.4% of the population in each city. As per WHO estimates, 235 million people suffer from asthma globally and it is the most common chronic disease among children.
“Around 50 per cent of the cases I see daily are related to asthma which amounts to 25 to 30 patients every day,” said Dr H.B. Chandrashekhar, pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Hospital. “Over the decade, the number of cases is on the rise. Along with escalating pollution from construction sites, the increasing relocation of people to urban areas too is adding to the numbers." Children too are at high risk. "It is not just outdoor pollution, but controlling it in indoors is equally important. Dust mite found in beds, carpets, sofas and curtains is a primary allergen. Grass and fungal pollen, dogs, cats, cockroaches and rodents act as allergens,” he said.
Dr Ravindra Mehta, Pulmonologist from Fortis Hospital, said: "The strong risk factors for asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways." On prevention, he said: “Though asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control it. People with persistent symptoms must take long-term medication. But medication is not the only way to control asthma. It is important to avoid asthma triggers that irritate and inflame the airways. More importantly, food which causes allergy needs to be avoided.”
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