Latest news with #SunilKumarK
Hans India
01-08-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Today is World lung cancer day: Breathing danger indoors: Why non-smoking women are facing a silent lung cancer crisis
Lung cancer has long been seen as a smoker's disease. But a growing crisis is now unfolding quietly in Indian homes. More women who have never smoked a single cigarette are being diagnosed with lung cancer. Many Indian women, especially in urban areas, spend a large part of their day indoors cooking, cleaning, caring for the family. But what we often ignore is that the air inside these homes can be just as harmful, or even worse, than outdoor pollution. Fumes from cooking or even gas in poorly ventilated kitchens, combined with dust, incense smoke, mosquito coils, and indoor construction dust, all add up over the years. Breathing this toxic mix every day puts their lungs under constant stress. 'We're seeing a disturbing trend of non-smoking women presenting with advanced stages of lung disease, especially cancer,' says Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. 'Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants, especially in homes with poor ventilation, is a major and often overlooked risk factor.' The tragic part is that most of these women never even realise they are at risk. There's no loud warning sign. No pain. Just a persistent cough, a bit of breathlessness, or some unexplained tiredness. Symptoms that are often brushed off as minor or blamed on age, dust allergy, or general weakness. By the time they reach a hospital and are tested, cancer is often in a late stage. This delay in diagnosis is one of the key reasons lung cancers remains so deadly. Doctors are now seeing a clear trend. Pulmonologists across cities are reporting an increase in lung cancer cases among non-smoking women, especially those over 40. Some of them are homemakers, while others are working women exposed to high indoor and outdoor pollution. The long-term exposure to indoor pollutants, especially in poorly ventilated homes, can cause changes in the lungs like those caused by smoking. What makes this even more heartbreaking is that it is largely preventable. Simple changes can reduce the risk significantly. Using chimneys or exhaust fans in kitchens, ensuring better ventilation, switching to cleaner cooking fuels like LPG or induction stoves, reducing the use of incense sticks and mosquito coils, and keeping homes dust-free can go a long way in protecting lung health. Air purifiers may help in high-pollution areas, but the bigger goal should be making our homes safer through awareness and basic design changes. Equally important is paying attention to early signs. If a woman has a cough that lasts for more than two weeks, or feels short of breath while doing daily tasks, it should not be ignored. A chest X-ray or CT scan could detect lung changes early, when treatment is more effective. Health check-ups should include questions about exposure to smoke and pollutants at home, not just smoking history. This silent crisis needs to be spoken about more at clinics, in media, and at home. Women must know that lung cancer is not just a smoker's disease. It is a disease that can come from the very air we breathe, especially in spaces we consider safe. And perhaps most importantly, we must stop assuming that only certain people are at risk. Because every breath matters. And for thousands of Indian women, that breath is already being taken away, one invisible puff at a time.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Facts vs myths: From exercise to inhalers, doctors clear the air on asthma
How much do you really know about asthma? Think it's just a childhood thing? Or that inhalers are addictive? Maybe you've skipped workouts or avoided fruits like oranges and bananas because someone said they trigger attacks. This week on Fact-check Friday, we're clearing the air. We asked pulmonologists to bust the most common myths around asthma. Whether you're managing symptoms or just want to stop falling for outdated advice, here's the truth you didn't know you needed. Is asthma just a childhood disease? Fact: Not true. Adults can and do get asthma, even if they've never had it as kids. 'Asthma can affect people at any age. Many adults develop it without any childhood history,' says Dr Sunil Kumar K, lead consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. So if you're suddenly breathless during your 9-to-5 grind or feel tightness in your chest after a weekend trek, don't brush it off—it could be adult-onset asthma. Are inhalers habit-forming or unsafe? Fact: Inhalers are essential, safe and absolutely not addictive. 'Inhalers are not a habit; they're a way to control symptoms and prevent long-term lung damage,' explains Dr Uday Kiran G, consultant – pulmonary medicine, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada. Dr Divya Shree J, consultant – interventional pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, adds, 'Inhalers deliver microgram doses directly into the lungs, making them more effective and safer than oral meds.' No need to fear the puff. Inhalers help you breathe better—and live better. Can people with asthma exercise? Fact: Yes. With proper management, staying active is not only possible but beneficial. 'Asthmatics can, and should, exercise. It's just important to manage the condition and use preventive medication as advised,' says Dr Sunil Kumar K. So go ahead and hit that gym or dance class. As long as you're managing your asthma correctly, fitness is still on the table. If there's no wheezing, is it still asthma? Fact: Wheezing is just one symptom. There's more to watch out for. 'Wheezing alone doesn't define asthma. Breathlessness, chest tightness and persistent coughing can all be signs, even without wheezing,' says Dr Divya Shree J. Don't wait for a whistle in your chest. If you're coughing at night or feel tight-chested often, talk to your doctor. If you feel fine, do you still need asthma medication? Fact: Asthma needs continuous care, even when symptoms disappear. 'Stopping medication without a doctor's advice can lead to flare-ups and worsening lung function,' warns Dr Uday Kiran G. Think of your meds as maintenance, not crisis control. It's about staying ahead, not catching up. Can asthma be passed from one person to another? Fact: Not at all. 'Asthma is not contagious. It's a chronic allergic airway condition, often with a genetic link,' says Dr Uday Kiran G. So, no, you can't 'catch' asthma—but you might inherit the tendency if it runs in your family. Should asthmatics avoid mountains or high altitudes? Fact: They can travel, just with the right precautions. 'People with asthma can visit high altitudes. The condition needs to be well-controlled, and they should carry medication,' advises Dr Uday Kiran G. Do fruits like bananas or oranges make asthma worse? Fact: There's no scientific basis for this belief. 'Asthmatics should eat a balanced diet. Fruits like bananas or oranges are safe unless someone has a specific allergy,' says Dr Divya Shree J. Are agarbattis and mosquito coils harmless for asthmatics? Fact: These can trigger asthma and worsen air quality. 'These products emit smoke and chemicals that can aggravate asthma. Smokeless alternatives or electric devices are safer,' warns Dr Divya Shree J. Is asthma just a minor issue that doesn't need serious care?
