New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- Doctors are seeing a steady rise in patients with advanced lung diseases, with many reaching hospitals only after their lung function has deteriorated significantly, prompting specialists to stress the need for earlier diagnosis and timely referral.
The observation comes amid growing concerns over respiratory illnesses linked to factors such as air pollution, tobacco use, occupational exposure, infections and an ageing population.
"We are witnessing a steady rise in patients with advanced lung diseases. Unfortunately, many patients reach us only after their lung function has deteriorated significantly," said Dr Govini Balasubramani, Director, Lung Transplant and Advanced Lung Failure at Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai. ...