D1.02 - Prevalence of allergic respiratory disorders in urban V/s rural Indian population

 The alarmingly increasing trend in respiratory allergic disorders has been concerning enough to term it as a silient epidemic. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of respiratory disorders between urban and rural populatios highlighting the critical determinants responsible for the disparity.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over over a period of one year, between 1st january and  31st december 2024 at a specialized urban of patients visiting an urban  allergy and chest clinic as well as at a a rural pro bono medical center. Detailed health, household,, socioeconomic history was noted.

During the reporting period, the urban clinic recorded a total of 6,542 patient visits. Among these, 2,566 cases were identified as allergic respiratory conditions, with males accounting for 1,362 and females for 1,204. Patients over the age of 18 numbered 1,187, while those under 18 totaled 1,379. Of the allergic respiratory cases, 719 patients (28.1%) were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and were prescribed nasal sprays. Additionally, 1,241 patients (48.5%) were found to have both allergic rhinitis and asthma, necessitating a combination of nasal sprays and inhalational agents. Furthermore, 596 patients (23.3%) presented with chest complaints: 359 (14%) were diagnosed with asthma and received inhalational agents, 89 (3.5%) had an allergic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with spacers, and 149 (5.8%) experienced non-asthmatic wheeze. In contrast, the rural center recorded 744 patient visits during the same period. Only 22 patients (2.8%) were diagnosed with allergic respiratory conditions; specifically, 20 patients (2.6%) were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and treated with nasal sprays, while 2 patients (0.2%) were found to have allergic exacerbation of COPD and prescribed spacers.

The study concludes that the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases issignificantly higher among urban populations compared to rural populationsie.Approximately 39 per 100 individuals in urban setting vs 3 per 100 inrural setting.This disparity can be attributed to environmental factorsprevalent in urban areas, such as vehicular and industrial pollution,inadequate cross-ventilation, and the presence of indoor pets. In contrast,rural environments benefit from cleaner air quality, proximity to greenery, minimal vehicular pollution, and the presence of livestock, which is typically housed outdoors. Additionally, the widespread adoption of cooking gas in rural households has effectively nullified indoor air pollution, contributing to healthier living conditions.