Rising pollution aggravating asthma cases in Bokaro

Growing environmental pollution is leading to rise in asthma patients mostly in urban areas in the Steel City. As the city observed World Asthma Day on first Tuesday of May, the experts expressed concern over rising trend in asthma cases.

With rising levels of pollution, respiratory tract disease is perhaps one of the most common problems of the populace. And, mostly the new generation is seen to be affected with it.

Moreover, a survey of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has also revealed that the ambient air quality in the city has witnessed a fall.

"Most of the factors behind the recent haze in Delhi and Kolkata, especially the deadly ultrafine particulates that contribute to smog or haze when meteorological conditions are met can also be the same here,” noted an air pollution expert.

According to the survey, which is carried out on a monthly basis, the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) has gone way beyond the 100 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m3) mark, prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in Bistupur and Golmuri . It was also found much above the permissible limit at Adityapur, an industry hub in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Respirable dust samplers were used to measure the pollution level in the three places.

Stating that the medical infrastructure and awareness about asthma had significantly gone up in the city, Dr U K Srivastava said more awareness programmes and focus on providing less expensive medication was necessary to fight the “chronic inflammatory decease” that can become fatal if not treated properly. Talking about the available ways to treat the disease, he stressed upon the importance of going for a therapeutic remedy once asthma is diagnosed instead of rescue medication. He said inhalation therapy was the mainstay of treatment for asthma.

“Each case of asthma is unique. If you have asthma, it is important to keep track of the factors that you know will trigger asthma episodes. If you suffer from persistent asthma, it is also important to take your daily maintenance medication as prescribed by your doctor to help prevent the symptoms of asthma from occurring,” he noted.

Another doctor said that with seasonal changes and excessive pollution levels, city is seeing a rise in the number of asthma attacks. He said that exposure to cold air and consumption of food loaded with preservatives could act as triggers.