The first-ever course on Pulmonology for general practitioners was inaugurated by Dr. Sidney Braman, President, American College of Chest Physicians yesterday. Respiratory diseases are under diagnosed, under treated and are the third leading cause of death in India. The course supported by the Respiratory Division of Nicholas Piramal, has an impressive faculty including leading Indian and international specialists from across the country as well as a few international speakers.

The Pulmonology Course is being conducted under the aegis of the American College of Chest Physicians across 12 weeks and a qualifying test will be conducted at its conclusion. The course will address asthma, allergy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory tract infections, TB and proper management of common respiratory symptoms.

According to experts, chest related and pulmonary diseases account for millions of cases of morbidity and mortality and hence better management of these conditions is of prime importance. Says Dr. Braman, "the focus on respiratory problems needs to be intensified, as these diseases have reached epidemic proportions in India."

'We are totally committed to the cause of education and awareness on respiratory conditions and will provide our full support to such efforts in the future," said Sainath Iyer, President, Sales & Marketing, Nicholas Piramal.

The incidence of respiratory and chest related diseases ahs increased at an alarming rate, with asthma and bronchitis affecting upto 30 per cent of the population in India. More cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and end stage lung failure are seen in hospitals as well. Some factors contributing to this rise are the increasing incidence of smoking and rising air pollution levels in urban and semi-urban areas.