Watch out for environmental changes, warn city docs on World Asthma Day

Kolkata: Environmental changes are majorly contributing in increase in the number of Asthma patients in the state, a sizeable number of which is children, the city doctors warned.

During a programme organised at a city hotel on the occasion of World Asthma Day on May 1, doctors said that environmental issues are very important factors. The pollution in the city and high level of dust particles in the air are affecting the lungs of citizens, causing serious respiratory distress.

While COPD cases are generally found in the patients above the age of 40, Asthma is very common in children as well. In another revelation, the doctors have found that people living in the slum areas are developing Asthma as they are always vulnerable to dust particles.

Doctors also suggested it can be determined if a patient has been suffering from Asthma, through lung function test. According to the latest available data, Asthma is on the rise among people in the state.

"Asthma causes frequent bronchial constrictions and inflammation. This can be treated using bronchodilators and inhalation of steroids, which help reduce inflammation," said a city doctor, who participated in the programme.

"Frequent constriction and inflammation is often caused due to environment and weather changes and even air pollutants. Patients can take inhaler. It is also advisable that the patients wash their mouth after using the inhaler," a doctor said.

According to a survey, around 20-30 million people in India are suffering from the disease. The prevalence of the disease can be checked through awareness programmes. People in the metro cities are more exposed to pollution, which often contributes to the disease.

An awareness programme was conducted by the doctors on the occasion. Various NGOs and other organisations are also organising awareness programmes on Tuesday in this regard.