The Sri Lanka Pulmonary Association has announced the 15th International Scientific Conference on Respiratory Diseases, “RESPIRE 2025,” which will take place in Colombo from February 8 to 12, 2025. Organized under the theme “Freedom to Breathe for You and Me,” the conference will address critical respiratory health challenges facing Sri Lanka. Specialists at a press briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau highlighted alarming trends in respiratory diseases, particularly among children and women.
Respiratory Challenges in Sri Lanka
Dr. Channa de Silva, a pediatric respiratory specialist, emphasized the vulnerability of the respiratory system due to constant exposure to environmental pollutants. He revealed that 50% of children in Sri Lanka are developing respiratory illnesses due to harmful air pollution, often resulting in conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. He advised parents to monitor abnormalities in their children’s breathing and seek early medical intervention.
“The air we breathe introduces harmful substances into the body, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases,” he explained. He urged adults to adopt proper health practices, emphasizing the importance of “respiratory ethics,” such as avoiding spitting in public spaces and reducing exposure to pollutants.
Alarming Rise in Women Smokers and Lung Cancer
Thoracic surgeon Dr. Saman Iddagoda highlighted a worrying trend of increased smoking among Sri Lankan women, contributing to a surge in lung cancer cases. While male smoking prevalence is relatively low, young women in Sri Lanka are now at higher risk of lung cancer, a disease already prevalent among the elderly.
“Smoking and the use of toxic drugs have significantly increased the incidence of lung cancer among young people in Sri Lanka,” Dr. Iddagoda stated. He added that 4,000 cancer patients are treated annually at the Welisara Chest Hospital, with lung cancer now the second most common illness among the elderly.
Advancements in Treatment and Prevention
Respiratory specialist Dr. Samanmali Dalpathadu highlighted the importance of proper treatment for lung diseases, emphasizing the role of inhalers in delivering medication directly to the lungs. She urged people to adopt healthier habits and warned against myths and misinformation about respiratory health.
The government is also focusing on introducing new vaccines for asthma patients, alongside importing essential medications for respiratory diseases. Dr. Dalpathadu stressed the need for public awareness about these diseases and encouraged individuals to learn about health conditions daily.
Clothing and Viral Diseases
The conference addressed the issue of “clothing,” a term often used to describe infectious respiratory diseases. Dr. Dalpathadu warned that improper hygiene habits, such as spitting on roads, contribute to the spread of respiratory infections. She called for public adherence to basic hygiene practices to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.
Critical Shortage of Thoracic Surgeons
Dr. Iddagoda also pointed out the critical shortage of thoracic surgeons in Sri Lanka, with only five specialists trained over the past two decades. This shortage poses significant challenges in managing lung diseases and cancers effectively.
RESPIRE 2025: A Call to Action
The RESPIRE 2025 conference aims to bring together experts to discuss strategies for combating the growing respiratory health crisis. With alarming rates of lung cancer, increased smoking among women, and a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses among children, the event will serve as a platform to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment advancements.
As respiratory diseases continue to rise, public health officials are urging the government, healthcare providers, and individuals to take decisive steps to combat these challenges, ensuring a healthier future for all Sri Lankans.
