‘Impaired pulmonary function in 53% of tested area population’

Impaired pulmonary function was seen in 53% of the tested population in south Delhi, reveals a study conducted by Safdarjung Hospital. The hospital looked at prevalence of pulmonary function impairment among the residents of urban village Aliganj, located behind INA.

The study also found that of the total 180 male participants, 74 or 41.1% had impaired pulmonary function, whereas of the total 107 female participants, 78 or 72.9% had impaired pulmonary function.

It noted that females were 5.57 times more likely to have impaired pulmonary function. The study was conducted by Anirudh Saxena of the Department of Community Medicine under Anita Khokhar, Professor, Community Medicine, and Head of Department, Respiratory Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital.

The study was aimed at understanding the prevalence of pulmonary impairment in the general population of Delhi, the pattern of impaired pulmonary function and factors associated with it. The study found that out of all participants, 42 or 14.6% reported having symptoms related to wheezing or tightness in the chest.

The symptoms related to shortness of breath were reported by 75 or 26.1%, while 22 or 7.7% reported symptoms related to cough and phlegm, and 27 or 9.4% had a history of difficulty in breathing. Respiratory problems due to exposure to dust, animal dander, etc., were reported by 9 or 3.1% participants.

Also, 39 or 13.6% had a positive history of allergies/atopy either individually or in the family. Frequent difficulty in breathing which resolved spontaneously was seen in 19 or 6.6%, while 8 or 2.8% complained of constant breathing problems.

Screening programme

High prevalence of impaired pulmonary function, the study said, suggests the need for a screening programme not just for high-risk population but also for the general population.

“Women in particular should be sensitised to get screened and also educated about the need for a separate kitchen from the respiratory health point of view. Regular physical activity should be promoted for all in order to curb obesity, as it is an associated factor for impaired pulmonary function. The population needs to be made aware about the protective effects of physical activity carried out indoors in well-ventilated areas for better pulmonary function outcomes as compared to outdoors,” noted the study.