Here is yet another reason to check the rising pollution levels in the city: a survey has revealed that four out of five doctors say environmental pollution is the biggest cause of asthma.
On World Asthma Day on Tuesday, Curofy — one of India’s largest community of doctors — conducted a poll asking doctors what they thought was the main reason for prevalence of childhood asthma in India.
Out of the 1,040 doctors polled, 82 per cent said there has been an increase in asthma cases in children due to increased pollution.
Though asthma is thought to have a genetic predilection, the recent increase in asthma in children is a cause of concern. This surge has been blamed on various causes ranging from allergies to environmental pollution.
Toxic air
“Air pollution and particulate dust matter is rising and there is a definite impact on the health of the common man,” said Dr. AnshumAneja Arora, consultant W-Pratiksha hospital, Gurgaon.
Apart from pollution, 11 per cent of the doctors said smoking and second-hand smoke was also a cause. Doctors say that raising awareness amongst the masses on asthma prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is key. “It is important for people to understand that though asthma is not curable, it can be easily managed through medications,” said Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, president Heart Care Foundation of India.
In children, asthma often manifests through a single symptom like cough, which is more severe at night or early morning and persists despite taking cough syrups and medication.
