Increasing pollution and smoking habits is the key reason behind the rise in number of asthma patients in Madhya Pradesh. In a recently-organised Breath Free awareness campaign 650 cases of potential asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD were found among the 4,200 people examined in 56 villages. These diseases can be treated and controlled if timely treatment is provided.
This was informed by renowned physician Dr NP Mishra, while talking to media persons here on Tuesday. He also flagged off a next level clinic on wheels Breath Free Yatra. This awareness and screening Yatra will spread awareness about lung diseases among villagers in Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur divisions.
Dr Mishra said that the clinic on Wheels Breath Free Bus is equipped with experienced physicians and supporting staff which provides free check up and counselling to the people. The campaign also aims to assist the rural doctors in understanding the latest developments in Asthma treatment.
The bus will move into 20 villages of Indore division till 21 January and will conduct lung tests of about 4000 villagers informing them about the disease and training them for its treatment.
The bus will then move further towards the villages of Jabalpur division. During the month long campaign the bus will travel to a total of 60 villages and will screen around 12,000 people.
Dr further Mishra said that due to growing pollution and smoking habits the count is on high among lung disease patients. More threatening fact is that many of these people are not even aware of their condition. Hence, it is very necessary to inform these patients about the necessary precautions and treatments for the disease.