Respiratory diseases constitute a major global health challenge and are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide^1,2. According to global health estimates, chronic respiratory diseases and infectious conditions such as tuberculosis account for a substantial proportion of disease burden, particularly in developing nations^3,4.

India bears a disproportionately high burden of respiratory illnesses due to a combination of factors including rapid urbanization, industrialization, environmental pollution, and widespread use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB) remain the most significant contributors to respiratory morbidity and mortality in the country.^3,4

In addition to environmental factors, socioeconomic determinants such as poverty, overcrowding, poor nutrition, and limited access to healthcare services further exacerbate the burden of respiratory diseases^5,6. Rural populations are especially vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to biomass fuel smoke, occupational hazards such as mining and construction work, and delayed healthcare-seeking behavior⁷.

Despite the magnitude of the problem, there is a paucity of comprehensive data describing the demographic and clinical profile of respiratory diseases in specific regions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the spectrum of respiratory diseases and their demographic distribution in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital, thereby providing insights for improved healthcare planning and targeted interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a hospital-based observational study conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at a tertiary care center.

Study Design and Duration:

• Observational descriptive study
• Conducted over a period of one year (January 2017 to December 2017)

Study Population:

• Total of 587 patients admitted with respiratory illnesses

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted with confirmed respiratory diseases
• Patients of age ≥18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with incomplete or missing clinical data

Data Collection:

Data were collected from patient records and included:

• Age and gender
• Residential status (urban/rural)
• Socioeconomic status (based on Kuppuswamy classification)
• Final clinical diagnosis

Statistical Analysis:

• The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results were expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages and presented in tabular and graphical formats.

RESULTS

A total of 587 patients were included in the study. The demographic and clinical profile revealed several important patterns. Males constituted a significant majority (72.06%) compared to females (27.94%), indicating a clear gender disparity in hospital admissions for respiratory diseases.

Table 1. Gender distribution of study population (n = 587)

Values are expressed as frequency and percentage.Top of FormBottom of Form

The highest number of cases was observed in the 45–59 year age group, followed by the 30–44 year group. Younger individuals (18–29 years) contributed the least number of cases. This suggests that respiratory diseases are more prevalent in middle-aged and older individuals.

Table 2. Age-wise distribution of patients (n = 587)

Values are expressed as frequency and percentage.

A large proportion of patients (79.72%) were from rural areas, highlighting the higher burden of respiratory diseases in rural populations compared to urban settings.

Table 3. Distribution based on residence (n = 587)

Values are expressed as frequency and percentage.

The majority of patients belonged to lower and upper-lower socioeconomic classes, indicating a strong association between low socioeconomic status and respiratory disease burden.

Table 4. Socioeconomic status of patients (Kuppuswamy classification) (n = 587)

Values are expressed as frequency and percentage.

Tuberculosis was the most frequently diagnosed condition, accounting for the largest proportion of cases. COPD was the second most common disease, followed by silicosis.

Other conditions included pleural effusion, lung malignancy, community-acquired pneumonia, pneumothorax, and asthma.

Table 5. Spectrum of respiratory diseases among study population (n = 587)

Values are expressed as frequency and percentage.

DISCUSSION

The present study provides valuable insights into the demographic and clinical profile of respiratory diseases in a tertiary care setting.

The marked male predominance observed in this study is consistent with findings from previous research. This can be attributed to higher exposure to risk factors such as smoking, occupational hazards, and environmental pollutants among males^3,8. Additionally, sociocultural factors may contribute to differences in healthcare-seeking behavior between males and females.

The higher prevalence of respiratory diseases in the middle-aged population reflects the cumulative effect of long-term exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke, biomass fuel, and occupational dust⁹. This age group represents the economically productive segment of the population, and the high disease burden has significant socioeconomic implications.

The predominance of rural patients in this study highlights the role of environmental and socioeconomic factors. Rural populations are more likely to be exposed to biomass fuel smoke, poor housing conditions, and occupational hazards. Limited access to healthcare facilities may also lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment^5,6.

Tuberculosis being the most common diagnosis underscores its continued public health importance^1,10. Despite ongoing national control programs, TB remains highly prevalent, particularly in economically disadvantaged populations. COPD also contributes significantly to disease burden and is closely associated with smoking and indoor air pollution^2,4.

The presence of silicosis cases reflects occupational exposure to silica dust, particularly in industries such as mining and construction. This emphasizes the need for improved workplace safety measures and regular health screening of workers in high-risk occupations¹¹.

Overall, the findings of this study highlight the multifactorial nature of respiratory diseases and the need for integrated approaches to prevention and management.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory diseases in this study predominantly affected middle-aged males from rural and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Tuberculosis and COPD were the leading contributors to disease burden.

There is a need for:

• Strengthening early detection and treatment programs
• Reducing exposure to environmental and occupational hazards
• Improving healthcare accessibility in rural areas
• Enhancing public awareness regarding respiratory health

REFERENCES -

1. World Health Organization. Global tuberculosis report 2023. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for COPD 2023.
3. Jindal SK, Aggarwal AN, Gupta D. A review of population studies on COPD in India. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2001;43:139–47.
4. Salvi S, Agrawal A. India needs a national COPD prevention programme. J Assoc Physicians India. 2012;60(Suppl):5–7.
5. Kurmi OP, et al. COPD risk from biomass fuel exposure. Thorax. 2010;65:221–8.
6. Balmes JR. Occupational contribution to respiratory disease. J Occup Environ Med. 2005;47:154–60.
7. Park K. Preventive and Social Medicine. 26th ed. 2021.
8. Behera D, Balamugesh T. Lung disease patterns in India. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2004.
9. WHO. Air pollution and respiratory health. 2022.
10. Government of India. India TB Report 2023.
11. Seaton A, et al. Crofton and Douglas Respiratory Diseases.