Is Your City Safe? Major Indian Cities See a Sharp Rise in Respiratory Infections. Read for Detailed Insights

India is currently home to approximately 33 million asthma patients and 55 million chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, contributing to over 10% of the global burden of these conditions.

Respiratory infections like the Flu and the Common Cold are common in winter. Viruses mostly cause these infections, although this can lead to pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections.?

Respiratory illnesses are also known as lung diseases. These diseases affect the lungs and other parts of your respiratory system. Some common respiratory illnesses include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, mesothelioma, pulmonary hypertension, mesothelioma, sleep apnea, and emphysema.?

Symptoms of respiratory illness include:?

• Mucus or rough cough?
• Sneezing?
• Stuffy or runny nose?
• Sore throat?
• Headaches?
• Muscle aches?
• Breathlessness?
• Wheezing?
• Tight chest?
• High temperature?
• Weakness?
• Feeling generally unwell
• Extreme chest pain?
• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures?
• Recurrent fever?
• Troubled urinating?
• Confusion?

Seek immediate medical care if you experience extreme chest pain, confusion, or seizures.

India is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory illness cases, with Mumbai and Delhi reporting a 30-40% spike in respiratory infections and Tamil Nadu seeing a 75% spike. This spike is due to various factors, including air pollution, viral infections, smoking, and indoor air pollution.?

Let’s dive deeper into understanding the prevalence of respiratory illnesses in India.?

Prevalence of Respiratory Illnesses in India

The winter season in India brings a spectrum of experiences, from snow-covered mountains to golden desert sands. However, the season also brings numerous health conditions like respiratory infection.?

• Chronic respiratory diseases account for 11% of deaths in India and are primarily caused by pollution and smoking.?
• The second leading cause of mortality among Indians is respiratory diseases.
• India contains 1 in 3 worldwide cases of respiratory diseases.
• COPD accounts for almost 80% of the deaths from respiratory diseases in India.?
• The leading risk factors for COPD are ambient air pollution, household air pollution, and smoking. The percentage of total deaths from respiratory diseases has increased since 1990 from 9.6% to 10.9%.

Data shows that India recorded 41,996,260 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI), which accounted for 69% of all communicable diseases. States like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal recorded the highest number of ARI cases in India. Factors such as air pollution, indoor air pollution, smoking, and occupational hazards contribute to the growing number of respiratory diseases in India.?

• Delhi NCR

India’s capital experienced an increase in respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Doctors also reported a 25-30% increase in respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.?

Experts reported that poor air quality and severe cold conditions are the primary causes in many parts of the country. They highlighted that respiratory and ophthalmic (eye-related) complaints are most common, and children are becoming more prone to asthma and allergic reactions with each passing day.?

In 2005, it was 4.91% (2,769) of the total institutional deaths, which jumped to 9.93% (8,801) in 2023. Out of the total deaths last year, 5,236 were male and 3,563 were female deaths, and two remained unknown. Out of 8,801 deaths, 3,606 were due to pneumonia, 13 were due to acute bronchitis and acute bronchiolitis, and 254 deaths were because of asthma.?

• Kolkata

The ‘city of joy’ reported a spike in pneumonia cases, which increased the demand for pneumococcal vaccines by 40% over last year. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or more lungs, leading to future complications. The pneumococcal vaccine can prevent the infection, especially in the winter season. Doctors observed various symptoms, such as yellow mucus, weakness, chest pain, confusion, and rapid breathing, among people with respiratory illnesses in Kolkata.?

• Hyderabad?

The city experienced a decline in dengue and malaria cases but also saw a rise in seasonal illnesses. There are 500 fever cases, especially in people between 30 and 45. Private hospitals in the city also saw an increase in influenza cases, especially in pregnant women, children under five years, people above 65 years of age, people with chronic medical conditions, and people receiving any immunosuppressive conditions or treatments.?

• Mumbai?

Mumbai saw its first signs of winter. The city reported a 30-40% surge in respiratory infections. Experts allocate this to the rise in seasonal changes, increased air pollution, and viral outbreaks. This seasonal trend particularly affected people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.?

The most common cases in Mumbai include upper respiratory tract infections, such as pharyngitis and rhinitis. Besides, the city also reported respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and COPD. The list doesn’t end here. Seasonal viruses, like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are also key contributors to the rise in cases.?

• Bengaluru

The IT capital of India is witnessing a surge in flu-like symptoms, viral bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory infections. Cold temperatures, reduced outdoor ventilation, and exposure to allergens contribute to this seasonal spike. Doctors said they see at least 20 patients daily with flu-like symptoms and viral fever. In addition to fever, patients also reported complaints of runny nose, sore throat, and cough.?

• Chennai?

Around 75% of people in Chennai are confirmed with influenza– primarily influenza A, followed by influenza B. The flu is another name for influenza. It is a contagious respiratory illness that targets your throat, lungs, and nose. The winter season paves the way for seasonal infections and respiratory ailments. People with respiratory diseases often recover from symptoms within three to four days. However, some are left with a persistent cough, body aches, or fatigue for up to a month.??

These figures for every city drop a warning sign for us to take respiratory issues seriously, especially air pollution and viral fever. Doctors say the pollution level has increased over the years, air quality has become hazardous, and viral infections and lung diseases are on the rise. They also added that regular health checkups, vaccination, good nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and prevention awareness can help control respiratory diseases.?

Why are Winter Respiratory Issues On The Rise?

Winter brings many changes that create the perfect atmosphere for respiratory ailments to thrive. People often spend most of their time indoors, where they are likely to be exposed to airborne irritants. Dust, mold, and pollutants from common household activities such as burning incense, lighting candles, or cooking can exacerbate respiratory symptoms.?

• Dust and Mould—Dust particles and mold spores build up in damp and poorly ventilated areas. India's humid winter can breed mold spores in the home, worsening respiratory allergies for asthma patients.?
• Indoor Pollutants—Cooking and burning incense are heating systems contributing to poor indoor air quality. These pollutants can cause flu-like symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, and wheezing.?
• Allergens- Winter allergens include pollen from certain plants that can trigger respiratory allergies. It is important to take precautions like regular checkups to prevent respiratory allergies. Winter allergens can make you experience runny noses, sneezing, or respiratory discomfort.?

General Tips To Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

During this winter season, it is important to take preventive measures to fight off respiratory illnesses.?

• Wash your hands neatly with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.?
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with tissues or handkerchiefs, and throw away used tissues.?
• Keep your living space clean and well-ventilated.?
• Avoid smoking, as it can lead to lung disease and cancer.?
• Eat a balanced diet packed with vegetables and fruits
• Get plenty of sleep or at least 6 hours to 8 hours of sleep
• Reduce your exposure to allergens?
• Exercise regularly for at least 40 minutes a day.?
• Get the flu vaccine. Your doctor can advise you on which vaccines are right for you.?

How Redcliffe Labs Can Help Prevent Respiratory Diseases?

India sees a boost in respiratory illness cases during winter. Outpatient departments (OPDs) are flooded with most people complaining of viral infections like the common cold and flu. This is because of the low temperature. Low temperature can increase the likelihood of getting sick, as the body is not as effective at fighting illnesses against the dry air. Your immunity becomes more likely to catch a cold because of dry air.?

The rise in respiratory illnesses this winter is alarming but manageable with timely health checkups, vaccinations, and preventive measures. At Redcliffe Labs, we understand the critical importance of proactive measures to manage and prevent respiratory diseases, especially during winter. With our extensive range of diagnostic tests and health screenings, we deliver crucial insights that allow people to know their risk of respiratory issues early.?

Regular testing with Redcliffe Labs allows people to monitor their lung functioning, identify the risk of infections, and track the status of any changes in their respiratory health. This empowers people to take timely action and live a better life. Explore www.redcliffelabs.com for health checkups, stay informed, and take preventive actions—because your health is worth protecting.?