4 diagnosed with a respiratory problem every minute in Karnataka

  BENGALURU:In Karnataka, four people are diagnosed with a respiratory disorder every minute, while at least one person dies because of a respiratory illness every five days.  With administrations compete to tackle increased levels of air pollution arising from vehicular emissions and unscientific management of greenery, citizens in the state seem to be bearing the heat.

Inspection of data from the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) shows that in 2017 alone, the state reported 22.5 lakh cases of respiratory disorders. It claimed 75 lives. In 2016, the number of cases was fewer than 2017 (20.7 lakh), but the number of deaths was higher (105).

Not all respiratory disorders are caused by air pollution, doctors and experts say the poor quality of air is a prime reason for the increasing number of such illness. Arguing that air pollution not only allows microbes to accelerate but also cause allergies in humans — these in turn trigger secondary bacterial infections — doctors say that a good diet and reduced exposure is the only way ahead.

Water pollution

Separate data shows nearly 21 lakh cases of waterborne ailments were recorded in 2016 and 2017. These diseases claimed 47 lives.Doctors say a majority of these deaths could have been prevented given the huge advances in healthcare and the fact that vaccines are available for diseases like typhoid and hepatitis.

Dr Gangadhar Belavadi, who has practised for 34 years with government hospitals, had told media  earlier that a majority of these deaths are from rural India. “There are vaccines available for typhoid and hepatitis and cures for other diseases,” Belavadi said. “But deaths occur mostly because people delay treatment or a lack of access to healthcare facilities.”