Lung Problems: Latest Killer Disease in India

Vijayawada: A recent report by World Health Organization states that death due to lung diseases in India is on the rise, accounting for around 989,907 or 11% of total deaths per year. With almost 1 million people in India dying every year of respiratory diseases, the country can soon be ranked number 1 in terms of deaths due to lung diseases. In addition, pulmonary fibrosis comprises 15% of the pulmonary physician’s practice and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has estimated the incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as 5% in men.

Recent trends show that instances of chronic respiratory diseases are also on the rise in key cities of Andhra Pradesh, especially in Vijayawada and the neighbouring districts, exacerbated mainly by vehicular pollution, air and dust pollution, habit of smoking and Increased population.

Respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), pneumonia, tuberculosis are emerging as major health problems in the region. Many of these health indications may turn into an end stage respiratory diseases thus resulting in a high mortality rate in the region.

To curb this disturbing trend and raise awareness on Lung Transplantation, Global Health City, Chennai has organized a press conference for the benefit of the general public of Andhra Pradesh, particularly to the people in and around Vijayawada.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rahul Chandola, Senior Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Heart & Lung Transplantation Specialist at Global Health City, Chennai said, “Incidences of ILD, COPD and bronchiectasis is alarmingly high in southern part of India. Unfortunately most of these patients on end stage respiratory disease are on medical treatment and most of them ultimately suffer early demise. Though lung transplantation is the most effective and viable option in such a situation, there often is lack of awareness amongst the patients and the physicians alike about transplantation”.

He further added, “With a huge burden of respiratory diseases in the region, awareness about lung transplantation as an effective treatment option for end-stage respiratory diseases is the need of the day.”

Agreeing, Dr. Govini Balasubramani, Senior Consultant, Heart & Lung Transplant Surgery from Global Health City, Chennai said, “Incidence and prevalence of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) (around 0.05%) and other indications like post pulmonary tuberculosis sequel, Bilateral Bronchiectasis on oxygen and COPD are alarmingly high in Vijayawada and the neighboring districts. Most of these indications may turn into an end stage respiratory diseases. Lung transplantation is the only option to treat pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, cystic fibrosis and other end-stage respiratory diseases.”

“Respiratory Diseases are no longer just restricted to the elderly but are now being detected even in younger age groups and with large scale industrialization, abnormal rise in air pollution, in cities like Vijayawada, such cases may go up further in the coming days.

“Unfortunately, respiratory diseases (especially COPD) are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until late thus, resulting in end stage lung disease. For those with end-stage lung diseases, Lung transplant is an accepted modality of treatment and could markedly reduce mortality and improve quality of life,” adds Dr. Govini

Lung transplant can improve the quality of life and extend lifespan for end stage lung disease. With a team of experienced Heart Lung Transplant Surgeons, Transplant Pulmonologist, Pulmonary Physiotherapist, Critical Care Transplant Anesthetist, Infectious Disease Control Physician, including Trained Transplant Nurses and Perfusionist, Global Health City has performed several path-breaking complex Lung Transplants successfully.

According to Mr. Bhaskar Reddy – Vice President, Corporate Relations,  “Over the years, Global Health City has become a synonym to the most preferred organ transplant centre and is one of the largest multi-organ transplant centers in India. Adding to many first-of-its-kind transplant surgeries, today with India’s First Tailored Donor Lung Transplant Global Health City has once again demonstrated its constant endeavor to offer the best possible treatment to patients by combining contemporary technology and processes.”

ABOUT GLOBAL HOSPITALS GROUP, INDIA

One of the fast growing chains of multi super specialty tertiary care Hospitals in India offering healthcare services of international standards. With over 2000 beds, the Group currently has state-of the art and world class hospitals at Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai offering advanced patient care. With the most comprehensive multi-organ transplant services in the country, the Group has carved out a niche for itself by excelling in areas ranging from simple procedures to complex surgeries and multi-organ transplantation services for liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. It has evolved to become a one-stop healthcare destination for people from across the world. Recognized for internationally reputed doctors and cutting-edge medical technologies, the Group’s Hospitals have achieved several milestones by performing rare, pioneering surgeries and transplantations.