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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. It is triggered by various factors such as allergens, pollution, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections. Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical attention. While the exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. Although there is no cure, asthma can be managed effectively with medications like inhalers, lifestyle modifications, and avoiding triggers. Regular medical checkups and adherence to treatment plans help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma.
According to the NFHS-5 report on the prevalence of asthma across Indian states and union territories (UT), several noteworthy patterns emerged. The most striking observation was that women generally reported higher rates of asthma compared to men across most of the Indian states and UTs. At the national level, 1.6% of women reported asthma compared to 1.2% of men. This gender disparity was particularly pronounced in certain states, such as Kerala, where women reported an asthma rate of 4.8% – the highest in the country – while men in the same state showed a much lower rate of 0.8%. With a 4.4% prevalence rate for women and a 2.3% prevalence rate for men, West Bengal recorded a serious concern. This substantial difference raises important questions about the environmental, social, and economic factors that might be contributing to these gender-based health disparities. Among northeastern states, Mizoram reported a high prevalence of asthma among women (3.9%) compared to men (1.9%), while Meghalaya demonstrated relatively high rates for both genders, with men at 2.8% and women at 2.6%. These figures suggest possible regional factors, perhaps related to lifestyle, environment, or healthcare access, that might be influencing asthma rates in this part of the country. At the lower end of the spectrum, several states and union territories have reported minimal asthma prevalence. For example, Chandigarh, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep reported 0% prevalence among men, though women in these regions still showed some presence of the condition. This stark contrast between genders in these regions warrants further investigation into reporting practices and healthcare accessibility. Among larger states, Maharashtra recorded identical rates for both genders at 1.5%. In contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar reported lower overall rates but maintained the general trend of higher prevalence among women. This consistency across large populations suggests systematic factors affecting women’s respiratory health that transcend regional boundaries. The consistent gender disparity across most of the Indian states suggests the need for targeted interventions and research into why women are more frequently affected by asthma in the 15-49 age group. Understanding these differences could be crucial for developing more effective and gender-sensitive healthcare approaches.
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