Even after patients recover from the acute phase, the cough seems to persist for days and weeks in many cases, doctors said.
Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director at Max Healthcare, said the Delhi-headquartered chain’s hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of patients coming with various types of respiratory illnesses, viral illnesses, and flu-like symptoms. “This year it has been more because of harsh conditions which are persistent for a longer period of time and a persistent poor air quality.”
People facing respiratory problems this season mostly include people who are asthmatic, those having chronic bronchitis, COPD, diabetics, heart diseases and liver and kidney diseases, cancer patients, smokers, and elderly, Budhiraja said.
“People with pneumonias requiring admissions are also there, but that’s the normal usual trend we see every winter,” he said.
According to market research firm Pharmarack, the respiratory segment of medicines is currently valued at Rs 16,115 crore, growing at a compounded annual rate of 11% in the past five years. The anti-asthma and COPD products have grown to ₹9,538 crore MAT (moving annual total, or in the previous 12 months) value in December 2023 from ₹5,842 crore in December 2019, it said. Likewise, the cough and cold market has grown to ₹4,466 crore MAT value from ₹3,073 crore during the same period. “The respiratory segment usually sees an upward trend in the second half,” said Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, at Pharmarack. Doctors advise wearing masks as many are suffering from prolonged cough, lasting 15-20 days.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
