The recent data disclosed by the National Health Profile (NHP)-2019 has thrown a spotlight on the escalating issue of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in India. This information reveals that an alarmingly high quantity of the population is grappling with this grave health concern. The findings, which align with the reports released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirm that ARI is a significant contention that hampers the usual breathing process, further leading to severe health implications.
ARI: An Extensive Threat
ARI was reported to be responsible for 69.47% of morbidity in India in 2018, making it the leader in the communicable diseases category. Furthermore, it also contributed to 27.21% deaths, thus establishing it as a prime cause of mortality. Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal emerged as the primary hotspots with a higher number of patients and fatalities, as revealed by NHP-2019.
The Consequence of Breathing Polluted Air
Breathing polluted air has deleterious consequences on our respiratory health. When polluted air is inhaled, harmful particles and pollutants permeate and inflame the inner lining of the bronchial tubes and lungs. This leads to various respiratory ailments such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, asthma, coupled with symptoms like wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing.
Impact on Different Demographics
People of all age groups are affected by this dual burden of polluted air and high rate of ARI, but certain demographics like children, pregnant women, and senior citizens are hit the hardest.
| Demographic | Impact |
| Children | The rate of childhood mortality due to ARI is critically high, resulting in 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide. |
| Pregnant Women | Exposure to pollutants during pregnancy ups the risk of pre-term delivery and low birth weight, potentially leading to developmental disabilities. |
| Senior Citizens | Aging brings about a natural decline in body functions, making the elderly more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. They are often faced with respiratory issues that may elevate to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, asthma, etc. |
The Way Forward
With the increasing burden of diseases and escalating air pollution, the human capital of the country is at risk. Hence, it is crucial to periodically monitor and tackle these alarming health threats to protect the well-being of the population.
