Srinagar – As Kashmir's temperatures drop, hospitals across the valley begin to witness a sharp spike in admissions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma patients.

Doctors said the majority of emergency and casualty cases during winters are linked to COPD-an irreversible and progressive lung condition-largely triggered by smoking and worsening air pollution. They called for prevention, early diagnosis and enhanced respiratory care facilities in the region.

Dr Ghulam Hassan Khan, a chest disease expert, told KNO that COPD cases in J&K are increasing at an alarming rate.

“Most of the patients landing in casualty during the winter months are COPD and asthma patients. Smoking remains the leading cause. Quitting smoking is the single most effective step to prevent this lifelong disease,” he said.

The doctor said a considerable number of people who have never smoked also develop COPD due to exposure to poor air quality, which, he points out, is deteriorating in Kashmir.

“Environmental pollution is rising due to combustion emissions, industrial activities, wood and kerosene burning in homes, biomass fuels, and even charcoal used in kangris. At times, Kashmir's air quality has been reported to be worse than major metro cities,” he added.

According to Dr Khan, reducing smoking rates and improving overall air quality would significantly reduce respiratory disease cases. He urged the administration to take concrete measures for cleaner air.

“Apart from smoking and pollution, genetic factors, socioeconomic conditions, repeated lung infections, exposure to toxic fumes, and vascular complications among IV drug users also contribute to COPD,” he said.

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