Delhi is among the worst states when it comes to deaths that highlight air pollution concerns. (TOI photo)

BENGALURU: Compilation of data from various states shows that on an average 10 people die of acute respiratory infection each day in the country, while another 11 die due to pneumonia — a pointer to the increasing air pollution and growing health concerns surrounding ARI.

As per the National Health Profile-2019 — which has statistics for up to December 2018 — nearly 4.1 crore people in the country were diagnosed with ARI in 2018, a marginal decrease from the 4.2 crore people in the previous year. However, the number of people dying increased from about nine every day in 2017 to 10 each day in 2018.

State-wise analysis shows that five states account for 50% of all ARI cases reported in the country, while an equal number of states have reported 75% of all deaths (see graphic). Delhi, for example, figures among the worst states when it comes to the number of deaths, but is not among the states with high incidence of infections.

The figures for pneumonia are more alarming with the number of cases increasing to 9.2 lakh in 2018 from 7.6 lakh in 2017. The number of deaths also saw a jump from 4,105 to 4,213, an average of 11 deaths per day.

Figures from the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) show that of all the major communicable diseases recorded during the two-year period, ARI accounts for 69.5%. In terms of mortality it is 27%, claiming the most number of lives among all communicable diseases. Pneumonia accounts for 1.5% of all cases, but 31% of all such deaths.

While smoking, genetic diseases and poor air quality are all key factors, experts and pulmonologists say non-smoking-related infections are also high in the country. They point out that from industrial pollution to vehicular exhaust and from occupational asthma to poor air quality in general, people are being diagnosed with infections caused by a variety of such factors.

Pulmonologist Dr Hirennappa Udnur said: “People who are dying of pneumonia are mostly those above 65 years of age or less than 1 year. There are several causes of pneumonia and most of them are curable. Among other infections, there are a lot of non-smokers too who are contracting infections. This is because of poor air quality, even as the reasons for what made their air bad can vary.”

Pointing out that early detection is key to curing most of these infections, he said that in some severe cases of pneumonia — where there are multiple organ disorders — the need for early screening is key to preventing progression of infection. Once it reaches the late stages, most people cannot afford the financial burden.

Dr Paramesh, another pulmonologist, said: “Today, there is enough clinical data to show how poor air quality is affecting people. While infections are caused by a variety of reasons, pneumonia is easily the biggest killer. So far as other ARIs are concerned, there has been a massive reduction.”

Echoing Udnur’s views, Paramesh said children are the most vulnerable and parents and teachers need to be aware of symptoms to enable early diagnosis. He said self-medication must be avoided at all costs.

