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Lung Disease Spike Alarms Kolkata Hospitals
26 Sep
Summary
- Hospitals report 6%-10% rise in lung disease admissions this year.
- Post-Covid viral infections are more severe and frequent.
- Some hospitals saw up to 80% mortality in severe lung cases.
City hospitals in Kolkata are witnessing an unprecedented surge in lung disease admissions, marking a 6%-10% increase from the previous year. This alarming trend, noted on World Lung Day, suggests a heightened severity and persistence of respiratory ailments since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pulmonologists point to potentially lowered community immune resistance to viruses and new viral mutations as contributing factors. Viral infections, especially influenza, are becoming more florid and frequent, leading to severe pneumonia requiring oxygen and ICU care. Some facilities have reported a significant increase in mortality among severely ill patients.
Hospitals have observed a continuous flow of lung patients since June, with some facilities experiencing a 25% rise in cases. Prolonged rainy seasons and more transmissible viruses are cited as common causes. Experts recommend preventative measures like mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and vaccination, emphasizing caution for the elderly with pre-existing lung conditions.
While direct attribution to Covid-19 is debated, some medical professionals suggest that previous respiratory illnesses may have left individuals with more vulnerable airways. The rise in cases is not confined to a short seasonal peak, indicating an ongoing concern for respiratory health across different age groups.
