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| The global burden of disease (GBD) reports have highlighted a high burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in India. Respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and tuberculosis contribute significantly to outpatient morbidity. |
| The SWORD study was designed to examine the point prevalence of these conditions during four distinct seasonal transitions: winter, summer, monsoon, and autumn. Additionally, the study evaluated the association between disease patterns and risk factors, including air pollution, smoking, rain exposure, and travel history. |
| Key Findings |
| Prevalence of Respiratory Conditions |
| Asthma emerged as the most common respiratory diagnosis, affecting 29.8% of the study population, followed by COPD (15.6%), RTIs including pneumonia (11.3%), tuberculosis (8.7%), and bronchiectasis (7.1%). These conditions showed distinct seasonal trends: |
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| Asthma: |
| Asthma emerged as the most common respiratory diagnosis, affecting 29.8% of the study population, followed by COPD (15.6%), RTIs including pneumonia (11.3%), tuberculosis (8.7%), and bronchiectasis (7.1%). These conditions showed distinct seasonal trends: |
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| COPD: |
| Winter exacerbations were evident, with a peak prevalence of 21.1% in winter compared to 8.1% during summer. COPD was strongly associated with smoking, biomass fuel exposure, and comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD). |
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| Tuberculosis: |
| Monsoon brought a surge in tuberculosis cases (13.1%), while summer marked a trough (4.1%). Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and anemia, were significant contributors. |
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| RTIs: |
| A dual peak was observed in winter and autumn (13.3%), with a decline during summer (4.3%). RTIs were linked to rain exposure and recent travel. |
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| Bronchiectasis: |
| Unique among the diseases studied, bronchiectasis showed a peak in summer (13.2%) and a decline in winter/autumn (5.2%). Risk factors included biomass fuel exposure and smoking. |
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| Seasonal Influences and Risk Factors |
| The study revealed that respiratory diseases are highly influenced by seasonal factors. |
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During summer, reduced disease burden was noted, likely due to higher temperatures, less mold activity, and increased sunlight exposure. |
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Conversely, winter saw a rise in conditions like COPD and RTIs, attributed to cold weather, increased indoor pollution, and viral infections. |
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Monsoon exacerbations of tuberculosis and asthma were linked to damp environments, promoting the growth of molds and exposure to allergens. |
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Autumn peaks, especially for asthma, highlighted the role of fluctuating temperatures and seasonal allergens. |
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| Conclusion |
| The SWORD study underscores the importance of recognizing seasonal trends in respiratory diseases for effective healthcare planning and resource allocation. Asthma and COPD emerged as the most prevalent conditions, with significant seasonal fluctuations influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. Tuberculosis and RTIs also exhibited marked seasonality, emphasizing the role of climatic changes in disease patterns. |
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| GGI-CO-A1-AQS-300033085-APPEMC-L24-0049 |
| For the use of a Registered Medical Practitioner, Hospital or Laboratory only. |
| Reference: |
| Sharma BB, Singh S, Sharma KK, et al. Proportionate clinical burden of respiratory diseases in Indian outdoor services and its relationship with seasonal transitions and risk factors: The results of SWORD survey. PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0268216. Published 2022 Aug 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0268216. Click here to view the original article |
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