Chronic Non-communicable diseases on the rise in Urban India

Healthcare platform, Practo, recently released the second edition of its Annual Healthcare Map of India, which highlights some of the key consumer healthconcerns. The report is a comprehensive look at the disease and illness trends across India. The report is based on those health care appointments that were booked across 35 cities with focus on top seven cities including Hyderabad, Delhi and NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune and Chennai across 200+ medical specialties.

Uniquely, the report is entirely based on actual patient actions rather than surveys. Chronic non-communicable diseases ailing Indians Practo’s Healthcare map of India, found that concerns over chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is the major reason for urban India to visit doctors; (book appointments).

Rapid urbanisation and a fast-paced socio-economic development is contributing to the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma), diabetes, hypertension etc.Additionally, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking and stress are some of the major contributors to the development and progression of preventable chronic diseases.

Pollution is suffocating India

• Air pollution has been growing alarmingly
• This is reflecting in visits to Pulmonologist seeing a 62% growth
• The major spike in appointments was seen across the age group of 35- 44 years
• Top 3 cities that saw growth in appointments for Pulmonologistswere Delhi (50%) Mumbai (64%) and Bangalore (80%)

“The air quality in many cities is poor due to pollution. Many people have been seeking medical helpfor various related problems like breathing difficulties, chest pain etc. It is probably due to harmful toxins in the atmosphere resulting inacute respiratory infection (ARI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) & interstitial lung diseases (ILD) etc. are emerging as major health problems.

Respiratory diseases are no longer restricted to the elderly but are now being detected in younger age groups as well. It is advised for patients suffering from COPD to quit smoking, stay active, practice breathing exercises, eat nutritious food, and working with your doctor for pulmonary rehabilitation, along with taking regular guideline based medications,” said Dr Mahesh PA, Professor, Pulmonary Medicine, JSS University, Mysore.

Diabetes on rise

• 25% growth in Diabetologists appointments
• 70% of the appointments booked were by patients in the age group of 25-44 years
• The cities with the maximum growth in appointments compared to 2015 was Hyderabad (38%), Mumbai (40%), and Kolkata (49%).

“Patients who are obese or have a family history of diabetes need to make sure that they go to their doctor for regular check-ups. The later you start intervention, the harder it is to prevent complications. Diabetes in turn also puts patients at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

It is important for patients to avoid processed food containing excessive amount of sugar and salt, keep blood sugar levels in check, and exercise regularly, “added Dr Vinod Mittal, Sr Consultant Diabetologist- Delhi Heart & Lung Institute & Director- Delhi Diabetes Care Center.

Young India is not young at heart

• 40% growth in cardiologist appointments with hypertension as the most common symptom
• Most appointments booked by people in the age group of 25-35 years

"Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) top the list of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) which now account for 62% of deaths in India. In the last decade CVDs have grown at the rate of 16%. Unhealthy lifestyle with high stress levels complimented by poor diet and eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exposure to sun light have induced metabolic disorders.

There are about 60 million diabetics in India and twice the number with hypertension. What is alarming is that an increasing number of patients coming in for check-ups are so young. Smoking triples the risk of CVDs. Yogasana and Pranayama have helped many CVD patients to lead a quality life," shared Dr Ramesh Sheshadri, Sr. Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Narayana Hrudayala, Bangalore.

Youngsters are breaking their back

• 31% growth in spine surgeon appointments
• 25% growth in spine and pain specialists’appointments
• Most appointments booked by people in the age group of 18-24 years

"Many working people especially those in technology sectors suffer from Repetitive stress injury (RSI) which is caused by prolonged working hours, poor ergonomics, unhealthy life style, lack of fitness and professional stress factors. Immediate medical advice is needed for acute exacerbations like neck spasms, carpal tunnel syndromes, eye fatigue, low back ache, tension headache, joint pains and fibromyalgia.

Best way to avoid RSI is to follow healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercises, proper workstation and posture and supervised physio," says Dr Anand Galagali, Senior Ortho consultant, Manipal Hospital, Fortis Hospital & Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.