Respiratory infections are on the rise health and lifestyle

CHENNAI: Forget global warming, think about just breathing. In the best interests of living without a greasy lung, may be we should take a quick look at how our lifestyles are leading to high levels of pollution that impact directly on our health and well being.

ENT specialists and allergy experts agree the number of people reporting with respiratory infections is increasing.

“There is a definite increase in respiratory diseases among people of all ages,” says C.N.Deivanayagam, former director, Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine, Tambaram, “because of the increased density of noxious fumes, particulate matter and dust from construction and road laying activities in the atmosphere.”

The burgeoning vehicle population is to blame, says Ravi Ramalingam, senior consultant ENT surgeon at KKR ENT Hospital, here.

Rajan Santosham of Santosham Chest Hospital says while space has remained constant, the number of vehicles on roads is increasing by the day basis. According to one statistic, everyday close to 500 new vehicles are being registered with Regional Transport Authority offices in the city and suburbs. All these are adding exhaust pollutants to the roads, causing problems for those predisposed to breathing difficulties, but also affecting those who have no such history. In addition, Dr. Ravi says, the increasing smoking habit complicates matters, damaging the lungs.
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