Bengaluru: Dry climate, hot winds and scorching sun along with peaking air pollution is taking a toll on everyone’s health. These conditions are also the reason behind high prevalence of asthma in Bengaluru, say doctors.
“Weather conditions can be a severe trigger for asthma. In a city like Bengaluru, where the weather is constantly fluctuating, it makes the symptoms worse. Dust due to the ongoing Metro work and construction activities is also a contributing factor. The dry conditions and sudden rain also lead to an increase in the pollen count,” said Dr Sudha Menon, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.
Ahead of the World Asthma Day, which is themed ‘STOP for Asthma’, doctors say that the incidences are becoming common among youngsters.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. Recently, nine-year-old Shreeya (name changed) was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance after her teachers found her gasping for breath during school. Shreeya suffered a similar, but a milder, attack last winter, but it was managed with medicines prescribed by a general physician. This time, however, the condition was much severe. Shreeya was referred to Dr. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Pulmonology, Sakra World Hospital. Upon investigation, she was diagnosed with asthma.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are about 2 crore asthma patients globally and one in ten asthma patient is in India.
Asthma symptoms are fusually triggered on exposure to cold air, smoke, respiratory infections and stress to name a few.
Dr Sachin Kumar also said that wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, pollution levels, rampant construction and long travel and traffic time might be the cause of increased prevalence in Bengaluru. “One needs to consult a pulmonologist whenever symptoms persist longer. But they should also take preventing steps like wearing masks, avoiding active and passive smoking and control of vehicular and environmental pollution on a larger scale will help prevent it,” he said.
