Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 7: India is witnessing a growing burden of asthma cases, particularly in urban areas, with experts warning that poor awareness, delayed diagnosis and worsening air pollution are leaving many patients undertreated.

A nationwide study published in 2015 found that a majority of Indians diagnosed with asthma did not have their symptoms adequately controlled and experienced poor quality of life. Medical experts believe the actual number of asthma sufferers could be significantly higher, as many cases remain undiagnosed or are labelled under terms such as “allergic bronchitis”, “seasonal bronchitis” or “chronic cough”.

Doctors point out that asthma symptoms often fluctuate, especially in the early stages, leading many patients to underestimate the seriousness of the condition. The stigma associated with using inhalers has also contributed to underdiagnosis and lack of proper treatment.

Contrary to common perception, asthma does not always present as severe breathlessness. Experts say persistent coughing after viral infections, difficulty climbing stairs, discomfort in closed spaces, wheezing at night and coughing triggered by strong smells such as perfumes or incense fumes can all indicate asthma.

Health professionals have expressed concern over deteriorating air quality in Indian cities, which is expected to aggravate respiratory illnesses. According to pollution data, cities like Mumbai recorded only a handful of days with “good” air quality during recent winter seasons.

Pulmonologists warn that increasing pollution levels, sudden temperature fluctuations and extreme weather conditions are making asthma harder to control and could lead to a rise in cases in the coming years.

Medical experts emphasise that asthma diagnosis requires spirometry testing and cannot be confirmed solely through X-rays, CT scans or blood tests, which may often appear normal. They also stressed that inhaled corticosteroids, commonly used to treat asthma, are safe and effective in controlling symptoms and reducing hospitalisations and deaths linked to the disease.

On the occasion of World Asthma Day, doctors urged people not to ignore recurring cough, wheezing or breathlessness and called for greater awareness and early diagnosis to prevent long-term complications.