SRINAGAR: Asthma, a chronic and potentially life-threatening respiratory condition, affects between 5 to 10 percent of Kashmir’s population, according to doctors who are urging early diagnosis and preventive care. Alongside Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma has emerged as the third leading cause of death globally.
Dr Tanvir Ahmad, a specialist in chest diseases, said that chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma and COPD account for nearly 4.5 lakh deaths worldwide each year, many of which are preventable with timely intervention. He said around 8 percent of adults in Kashmir are affected, along with a large number of children. Women appear more affected than men due to environmental, genetic, and occupational factors.
Doctors attribute the rising burden of asthma in Kashmir to cold weather, air pollution, the use of biomass fuels for heating, and exposure to allergens. Dr Khursheed Ahmad said early diagnosis and proper treatment significantly improve quality of life, but myths and stigma continue to delay care. “Many patients avoid using inhalers due to false beliefs. Inhalers are safe and necessary,” he said.
He warned that untreated asthma may lead to respiratory distress, long-term lung damage, or death. “Late diagnosis and irregular use of medication increase the risk of complications and hospital admissions,” he said. Dr Khursheed noted that India records ten times more COPD deaths than Western nations, mainly due to lack of awareness and access to specialised care.
Dr Javid Ahmad said many patients stop taking medication once they feel better, not realising asthma needs lifelong management. “Non-adherence is a major issue. Inhalers are effective and have few side effects when used correctly,” he said.
Doctors pointed to contributing factors such as indoor pollution from wood and coal, outdoor pollution from vehicles and industry, allergens like pollen and mould, smoking, and poor ventilation. They recommended timely spirometry testing, regular use of corticosteroid inhalers, avoiding smoke and cold air, improving ventilation, getting flu and pneumonia vaccines, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.
They called for improved asthma surveillance, wider screening, and integration of asthma education into public health policy. “People with asthma can live normal lives if they follow proper care. Awareness is the first step towards control,” the doctors said. (KNO)
