A 32-year-old man attending a wedding in Ahmedabad was rushed to a corporate hospital on SG Road last week after experiencing severe shortness of breath. Doctors attributed the episode to flu complications exacerbated by smog from a western disturbance. “In normal circumstances, the youth’s condition would not have been so severe, but the smog aggravated his infection, requiring temporary oxygen support,” said Dr. Manoj Singh, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist.
Data highlights a worrying trend: breathing problems are on the rise in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat. For the first time, the state recorded over 1.24 lakh cases of respiratory distress in 2024, a 100% increase from 62,036 cases in 2018, according to EMRI 108 data. Ahmedabad accounted for 26% of the cases, with numbers rising 83% in six years from 17,778 to 32,506. On average, the city reported 89 daily cases of respiratory issues, while Gujarat recorded 340. Year-on-year, cases in Ahmedabad and Gujarat rose by 30% and 33%, respectively.
Experts Cite Pollution and Weather as Key Factors
Dr. Manoj Singh noted a significant rise in upper respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases in Ahmedabad over the past year. “Frequent weather fluctuations in 2024 led to allergic reactions and flu proliferation, contributing to the surge in respiratory issues,” he said.
Pollution remains a major concern. “Urban factors like bird droppings, weather changes, and heavy traffic or industrial pollution are significant contributors. We often see lungs resembling those of smokers in patients living near high-traffic zones,” said Dr. Tushar Patel, another pulmonologist.
Underlying Health Conditions Also a Factor
Not all shortness of breath cases stem from respiratory illnesses, cautioned Dr. Rahul Jalan, a pulmonologist. “Cardiovascular issues and other diseases can also present similar symptoms. Thorough investigations are essential in critical care to identify underlying causes. However, we’ve observed more patients with lung scarring or injuries linked to pre-existing conditions,” he added, noting that most affected individuals were over 40 years old.
As reported by economictimes, the alarming rise in respiratory distress underscores the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to tackle pollution and health challenges in urban areas.