DC seeks death audit report of doctor who died in home isolation in Karnataka

News Network

September 9, 2020

A doctor on Covid-19 duty died due to the infection after ten days of home isolation in Tumakuru. The Deputy Commissioner has requested for the death audit committee report to understand the reason behind his sudden death.

Dr Devaraj, a doctor on Covid duty in Kunigal Taluk Government Hospital died on Tuesday night after his oxygen saturation levels dipped below normal and he experienced breathlessness.

Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Tumakuru, told media, "He was asked to be isolated at home because he was asymptomatic. All his parameters were checked in this duration. He was given regular medicines given to Covid patients during this time."

However, after ten days, he suddenly experienced breathlessness. He was immediately shifted to the taluk hospital and then to Surya hospital, a private Covid hospital.

"He was brought to the private hospital at midnight but couldn't be saved. He wasn't given hospital treatment all these days because he was asymptomatic," Kumar said.

All supervision was being done by the staff of the hospital he worked at and since he was a medical officer, he was also checking his own health status, the DC said.

"We don't know the reason for his sudden demise, I am yet to receive the death audit committee report. Tumakuru district surgeon, the district surveillance officer, experts, and local private specialists who have been involved in Covid care will be looking at his case files," he said.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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