A World Health Organization report indicates that India ranks number one in the world for lung disease deaths.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deaths due to lung diseases in India were on the rise accounting for 11 per cent of the total deaths. As many as 142.09 in every one lakh, died of one form of lung disease or the other giving India the dubious distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths in the world.

Respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB) are emerging as major health problems in the region.

According to studies, pulmonary fibrosis comprises 15 per cent of the pulmonary physician’s practice. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has estimated the incidence of COPD as 5 per cent in Indian 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 neighbouring districts of Guntur and West Godavari, exacerbated mainly by vehicular pollution, air and dust pollution, habit of smoking and increased population.

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