Times of India
28 April 2010
By Pratibha Masand

Lifestyle Diseases Take A Toll On Sedentary Citizens
Lagging behind heart ailments–the “rich man’s disease’’ is tuberculosis–the “poor man’s disease, which in comparison had a relatively lower fatality of 9,930 deaths in 2008. But the government is losing the battle against TB: a five–year analysis of data provided by the BMC shows a 15% rise in TB deaths. In 2004, there were only 8,625 deaths, but the numbers subsequently rose to 9,940 in 2006, and 2,850 in 2007.

“The rise in tuberculosis cases does not come as a surprise as Mumbai is a congested city. As the disease spreads when affected people cough, sneeze or spit, the chances of a patient’s family member catching TB is very high,’’ said Dr G T Ambe, executive health officer of BMC.

The shocker is the 20.17% increase in deaths due to respiratory tract infections. While it claimed the lives of 2,687 Mumbaikars in 2007, the number jumped to 3,229 in 2008. Rising pollution levels, construction activity and smoking are the main culprits behind lung–related diseases, say doctors. Explaining why respiratory tract infections and pneumonia were slotted separately, Dr Ambe said: “There are codes given to each disease by the WHO, which we have to follow.’’

Pneumonia, which is described as an abnormal inflammatory condition of the lung, is the fourth biggest killer, with 4,352 victims. There was a 6.09% rise in deaths due to pneumonia.

The third killer on the list, cancer, has extended its tentacles rapidly; in the span of one year, there has been a 9.32% rise in cancer deaths. BMC’s senior statistical officer, P K Shrivastav said: ‘‘Most people suffering from cancer come to Mumbai from other parts of the country for treatment. Many are the last stage. Also, you cannot ignore the fact that there are different types of cancer, which is the reason why it has more victims than singular diseases.’’

Incidentally, death due to AIDs did not make it to the top five. BMC officials said it was eighth on the list. What’s hard to ignore is that lifestyle diseases have emerged as top killers. At least three killer diseases may be caused due to stress. According to doctors, even stress can indirectly trigger diseases such as COPD and pneumonia. The onus also rests on the shoulders of Mumbaikars. There is an urgent need for citizens to eat healthy and exercise regularly, say doctors.

Pollution & smoking take a toll on lungs
Mumbai: The more than 20% rise in deaths due to respiratory tract infections such as COPD has not come as a surprise. According to the recent Maharashtra State Health Family Welfare Bureau, asthma alone–that can be controlled with daily puffs of inhalers–accounted for 8% of all deaths in the 15–to–49 age group of Maharashtra’s women in 2008. Rising pollution levels, rising construction activity, and smoking (passive and active) are taking a toll on people’s lungs. “In a private set up, we see around 400 people with respiratory and chest problems. Nearly 50% of these people are suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). Any obstruction which affects the air flow from the lungs, and does not improve even with treatment is called COPD,’’ said chest physician Dr Ashok Mahasur.

Dr Rohini Chowghule, head of medicine at Bombay Hospital says that almost 9% of Mumbaikars suffer from COPD. “The quality of air itself has deteriorated. Even though smoking is one of the major reasons, one cannot discount the high levels of pollution. While the city has to breathe in the polluted air, those with weak lungs or lower immunity fall prey to these obstructive disorders,’’ Dr Chowghule said. COPD also includes emphysema, a disorder of the lung that causes it to lose its elasticity.