Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 20: As Kashmir’s temperatures drop, hospitals across the valley begin to witness a sharp spike in admissions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma patients.
Doctors said the majority of emergency and casualty cases during winters are linked to COPD—an irreversible and progressive lung condition—largely triggered by smoking and worsening air pollution. They called for prevention, early diagnosis and enhanced respiratory care facilities in the region.
Dr Ghulam Hassan Khan, a chest disease expert, said that COPD cases in J&K are increasing at an alarming rate.
“Most of the patients landing in casualty during the winter months are COPD and asthma patients. Smoking remains the leading cause. Quitting smoking is the single most effective step to prevent this lifelong disease,” he said.
The doctor said a considerable number of people who have never smoked also develop COPD due to exposure to poor air quality, which, he points out, is deteriorating in Kashmir.
“Environmental pollution is rising due to combustion emissions, industrial activities, wood and kerosene burning in homes, biomass fuels, and even charcoal used in kangris. At times, Kashmir’s air quality has been reported to be worse than major metro cities,” he added.
According to Dr Khan, reducing smoking rates and improving overall air quality would significantly reduce respiratory disease cases. He urged the administration to take concrete measures for cleaner air.
“Apart from smoking and pollution, genetic factors, socioeconomic conditions, repeated lung infections, exposure to toxic fumes, and vascular complications among IV drug users also contribute to COPD,” he said.
Dr Khan advised lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, avoiding allergens and respiratory irritants, staying hydrated, maintaining good nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding extreme temperatures can slow the progression of COPD.
COPD, once developed, is irreversible, he explained. Winter months bring frequent infections that push patients into hospitals, he added.
“Flu vaccination, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae vaccines every five years are crucial. These vaccines can prevent infections that worsen COPD during winter,” Dr Khan said.
Dr Javid Ahmad, another chest specialist, said that COPD incidence in Kashmir is higher than in other parts of the country. “COPD is a lifelong disease. Winter and pollution aggravate symptoms, leading to increased hospital footfall. Most COPD patients are long-term smokers,” he said.
Dr Ahmad said that early awareness is crucial so that people quit smoking before irreversible lung damage occurs. “Most patients are diagnosed after the age of 45, by which time they’ve often smoked for two decades. The earlier they quit, the better their lungs can cope,” he added.
Doctors advised patients to follow preventive measures to avoid winter complications, which include avoiding overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms, ensuring adequate ventilation at home, increasing water intake, maintaining a balanced diet and staying away from smoke, dust and pollutants. (KNO)
