The asthma cases in Jharkhand are climbing alarmingly, especially in urban centres. Every day, clinics are reporting patients suffering from symptoms of asthma who have never been formally diagnosed. Pulmonologists are raising concerns that without timely action, this could turn into a severe public health crisis.
π Current Status of Asthma Cases in Jharkhand
π Key Stats:
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Urban Jharkhand: 509 asthma patients per lakh
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Rural Jharkhand: 382 per lakh
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National average: 415 per lakh
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Primary causes: Pollution and airborne allergens
These numbers highlight that urban regions in Jharkhand have surpassed the national average, pointing to a deteriorating air quality situation and inadequate public health response.
πΆ Asthma on the Rise Among Children and Adolescents
According to pulmonologists Dr. Nitesh and Dr. Swarat Behera Sharan, there is a worrying spike in asthma cases among children and teenagers.
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Every third child is at risk due to pollution
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3.16% of children experience breathing distress
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3.63% of adolescents (13β14 years) also report asthma-related panic
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Around 10 children per day visit clinics with asthma symptoms
π Key Takeaways
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Asthma is not just breathlessness; it’s chronic inflammation of airways
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Lack of early diagnosis can lead to severe lung damage
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Many young patients are suffering without knowing the cause
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Pollution remains a major trigger even in semi-urban Jharkhand
π¨ββοΈ Experts’ Warnings and Recommendations
Doctors emphasise the need for statewide screening and awareness campaigns like “Happy Lungs“ to curb the asthma epidemic. Dr. Tanrupam Sharan noted that most patients have been living with asthma symptoms for years without ever receiving a proper diagnosis.
Recommendations:
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Launch a statewide screening drive
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Conduct school-based health checks
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Enforce air quality regulations in cities
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Provide access to inhalers and medications
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Increase public awareness and reduce stigma
Also Read:Β World Malaria Day Celebrated across Jharkhand
π Connection to SDG 3 β Health and Well-being
The rise in asthma cases is directly connected to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being. Asthma is a major non-communicable disease (NCD), and tackling it is essential to improving quality of life and public health outcomes.
π Key Points
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Early diagnosis helps reduce long-term health complications
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Clean air is essential for sustainable urban growth
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Awareness drives align with universal health coverage goals
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Jharkhandβs response can become a model for NCD prevention in India
