Srinagar, Nov. 20 -- As Kashmir's temperatures drop, hospitals across the valley begin to witness a sharp spike in admissions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma patients.

Doctors said the majority of emergency and casualty cases during winters are linked to COPD-an irreversible and progressive lung condition-largely triggered by smoking and worsening air pollution. They called for prevention, early diagnosis and enhanced respiratory care facilities in the region.

Dr Ghulam Hassan Khan, a chest disease expert, told KNO that COPD cases in J&K are increasing at an alarming rate.

"Most of the patients landing in casualty during the winter months are COPD and asthma patients. Smoking remains the leading cause. Quitti...