Medical experts have raised an alarm over a steady increase in respiratory diseases across Jharkhand. The primary drivers identified are rising tobacco consumption, shifting lifestyles, and a gradual uptick in pollution levels, despite the state's air quality being better than major metropolitan cities.
Key Findings from Respican-25 Conference
These concerning trends were the central focus of the eighth annual Jharkhand State Respiratory Conference, known as Respican-25, held on Sunday. The event was organized by the Jharkhand Chest Physicians Association.
The forum provided a crucial platform for specialists to discuss emerging challenges in respiratory medicine and share the latest updates on diagnosis and treatment protocols. Discussions covered a wide spectrum of issues, including:
- Air pollution and its health impacts
- Lung and oral cancers
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Sleep-related breathing disorders
- Advances in critical care management
Tobacco and Pollution: A Dangerous Combination
Dr. Rajiv Goyal, Director and HOD of Pulmonology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre in New Delhi, shared critical insights. He stated that senior chest specialists noted a consistent rise in lung cancer and oral cancer cases in Jharkhand over the past five to ten years, largely linked to tobacco use.
"While pollution levels are still comparatively lower than in large metropolitan cities, gradual increases in pollution, combined with tobacco exposure, are contributing to a growing burden of respiratory illness," Dr. Goyal explained.
Experts also highlighted a gender disparity in cancer incidence, with rates remaining lower among women compared to men. This difference is largely attributed to lower smoking rates among women.
Changing Environment and Lifestyle Add to the Crisis
Echoing these concerns, Ranchi-based senior chest specialist Dr. Nishith Kumar pointed out the growing role of environmental factors. "Air pollution is emerging as a leading cause of respiratory diseases, with changing environmental conditions and lifestyles rapidly increasing patient numbers," Dr. Kumar said.
The conference concluded with a consensus that a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes stronger public health campaigns against tobacco, continuous monitoring of air quality, and greater public awareness about the risks posed by changing lifestyles and pollution to respiratory health.
