Vijayawada: The increasing vehicular and industrial pollution, construction activity in cities, in addition to an inactive lifestyle, are leading to a rise in the number of cases of asthma. Smoking, inadequate physical activity, food preferences and environmental factors make our lungs weak and increase the risk of developing asthma. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), along with some voluntary organisations, on Monday created awareness about asthma on the eve of World Asthma Day on Tuesday.
Asthma is a chronic disease which affects around 235 million people worldwide. This number is rising every year, at an alarming rate. Asthma causes severe inflammation in the lungs, which reduces the breathing capacity. Dr S. Babulal, senior pulmonologist and former registrar of Dr NTR. University of Health Sciences, said, “Astham effects the passage of air in the lungs and the organs become vulnerable to various allergies. A majority of the asthma cases are hereditary or genetically linked.” He said dust, pollen, furry pets, viruses, pollutants and even emotional agitation can trigger an asthma attack.
Dr P. Durga Prasad said, “Health hazards such as smoking and frozen foods increase the risk of asthma. More than 15 million Indians are suffering from asthma, as per the WHO records. Thousands of new cases of this chronic disease are recognised every year. A majority of the new cases are recorded in children, which is a worrying factor.” He added that though there is no cure to the chronic disease, identification at the right time and the use of medication, such as inhalers and rotahalers, can help control the disease.
P. Gangadhar Rao, state president of the IMA, said that World Asthma Day, observed on the first Tuesday of every May, was organised by the Global Initiative of Asthma (GINA). “Millions of Indians are suffering from this chronic disease. One can diagnose asthma with inexpensive pulmonary tests that analyse lung power,” he said. Cipla India and some voluntary organisations are organising special “Breathe Free” asthma awareness camps across the state on World Asthma Day.
