strategies to improve management of chronic respiratory diseases in India, ET HealthWorld
By Dr Vidhi Jobanputra
India is grappling with a rising health crisis as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) become increasingly prevalent, with chronic respiratory diseases that include asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranking among the top contributors. NCDs now account for nearly 60 per cent of all fatalities in the country.
The burden of CRDs is particularly concerning. In 2016, COPD and asthma together contributed to 96 per cent of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in India, contributing to a staggering 40 per cent of global deaths from both diseases. Factors like poor air quality, smoking, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity have further fuelled this surge, making NCDs the primary health challenge of our time.
India’s National Health Policy has set a goal of reducing premature deaths from NCDs, including CRDs, by 25 per cent by 2025. As we commemorated World Lung Day on September 25th, it’s an opportune moment to delve deeper into the challenges posed by chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and examine effective strategies for managing them.
Understanding the Barriers to Effective Management
Despite advancements in medical science, a significant portion of asthma and COPD cases in India remain undiagnosed, leading to poor disease management and preventable complications. In fact, approximately 70 per cent of individuals with severe asthma symptoms are not clinically diagnosed, while a staggering 95-98 per cent of COPD cases go undetected. Several key factors contribute to this concerning scenario.
One of the major barriers is the stigma associated with respiratory diseases. Many individuals avoid seeking medical help or acknowledging their condition due to cultural resistance and misconceptions. Another significant challenge is the widespread misunderstanding of inhalation therapy, the cornerstone of asthma and COPD treatment. Many patients and caregivers mistakenly believe that these therapies cause harmful side effects, such as growth suppression in children, which deters them from using this effective treatment. This misconception results in delayed treatment, or in some cases, complete avoidance of necessary medications. Inhalation therapies, however, deliver medication directly to the lungs, targeting inflammation and improving lung function with lesser side effects compared to systemic treatments. Addressing these barriers requires nationwide efforts to improve disease awareness, increase early detection, and provide better management support. Screening programs, patient education, and ongoing counselling, especially during high-risk seasons like the monsoon or winter, are essential steps toward ensuring that individuals receive the care they need to manage these diseases effectively.
Addressing the Challenges
To effectively manage chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, early intervention and strict adherence to doctor prescribed treatments are essential. However, many patients mistakenly focus on treating flare-ups rather than managing daily symptoms, which leaves their condition poorly controlled in the long run.
Addressing this disconnect requires a multifaceted approach. First, we must improve public understanding of what constitutes effective asthma management. Patients should recognise that true control means minimising day-to-day symptoms and preventing exacerbations, not just responding to severe attacks. This shift in mindset can be driven by robust awareness campaigns that dispel myths and guide individuals to trusted sources of information.
Another critical challenge is environmental. Poor air quality remains a significant factor in the rise of chronic respiratory diseases. Aligning with this year’s World Lung Day theme, “Clean Air and Healthy Lungs for All,” efforts to improve air quality, reduce pollution, and promote respiratory health are vital. These initiatives, coupled with equitable access to quality healthcare, will help ensure that everyone, regardless of location or income, can access the care they need.
Ultimately, building an ecosystem that promotes comprehensive support for patients and their families, can lead to better health outcomes. By addressing both the environmental and healthcare-related challenges, we can work toward a future where managing asthma and COPD is less of a burden and more of a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life for all.
This article is written by Dr Vidhi Jobanputra, Consultant Pulmonologist (Chest physician) and Interventions and Sleep specialist, Mumbai.
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
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