Kochi: A survey conducted by the pulmonology department of Aster Medcity, Kochi, in various KSRTC depots in the state connection with the World Asthma Day on Tuesday has revealed that there has been a significant increase in the number of asthma cases over the previous years. Of the 6,920 persons screened through lung function test, 36.5 per cent (2,526) were diagnosed with asthma which is much higher compared to that in previous surveys. In previous surveys conducted by the government, the average rate was 10 to 15 per cent only.
Out of the 2,526 people detected with breathing problems, 1,493 didn’t have any family history of asthma while 1,033 had strong genetic factors of the disease.
Aster conducted the survey in 24 KSRTC depots in 14 districts in association with the Motor Vehicles Department and KSRTC on April 24. The highest rate of ailment was found in the age group of 50 to 59. The functioning of lungs was not normal in smokers.
The high prevalence of asthma without family history points towards lifestyle changes, fast food culture, air pollution and emotional stress as the major reasons, according to Dr. Jacob Baby, senior consultant pulmonologist at Aster. The hospital also conducted another survey among the people who accompanied the patients at Aster Medcity. Out of the 811 screened, 105 reported asthma.
