Respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia and lung infections are rising across Bangladesh, driven by pollution, genetic factors and climate change, with people of all ages affected.

Infographics: TBS

Experts say asthma deaths could be sharply reduced through greater awareness, affordable care, and wider access to anti-inflammatory inhalers at primary healthcare level, along with proper guidance on their use.

While there is no comprehensive national data on prevalence or mortality, insights from the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) show a growing burden. 

In 2025, the hospital treated 156,000 asthma patients on an outpatient basis – 61.75% male and 38.25% female. Nearly half (47%) were aged 25-49, 36% were over 50, 11% were 15-24, and 6% were children and adolescents.

During the same period, 15,390 patients were admitted, with 1,170 deaths recorded in hospital and another 155 before arrival. Of those who died, 70% were male and 74.64% were over 50.

Hospital data also indicates a steady rise over five years: patient numbers climbed from 98,991 in 2020 to 156,000 in 2025 – up about 57% – while deaths increased by 61.58%.

Marking World Asthma Day 2026 today, observed under the theme “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need,” experts emphasised the importance of timely treatment and proper inhaler use.

Experts stress prevention, proper inhaler use

Physicians say respiratory diseases are more prevalent in urban areas than rural regions, citing air pollution, dust, smoking, and allergens as major contributors.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Health and Morbidity Status Survey 2025, asthma ranks seventh among the country’s top 10 diseases. 

The survey found 30.94 cases per 1,000 people nationwide, with slightly higher rates in urban areas (31.75 per 1,000) than rural (30.15).

Professor Dr Md Rashidul Hasan, a chest disease specialist and former NIDCH director, said inhalers have minimal side effects and regular use reduces the need for nebulisers, but correct technique is crucial.

Dr Rajib Kumar Saha, a respiratory medicine consultant, noted a sharp rise in respiratory cases due to pollution, extreme weather shifts, Covid-19 and infections, urging early treatment to prevent long-term lung damage – particularly for those with genetic risk or allergies.

Chest disease specialist Dr Zahirul Islam Shakil stressed that asthma is manageable with proper care, but misconceptions about inhalers persist, and costs remain a barrier. 

He called for wider, affordable access to anti-inflammatory inhalers and better patient training at the primary care level.