The World Health Organization has estimated that the number of asthma patients in India would increase to about 80 million from the present 30 million by the year 2020. The main reason for this health hazard is the presence of huge quantities of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the air which is the consequence of rising levels of pollution. One to two per cent of the urban population was suffering from asthma nearly a decade ago. It is now between 8 and 9 percent. Another cause for worry is the occurrence of `pediatric asthma'. One out of every three newborn babies is found to be badly affected with asthma. The extent of pollution should be reduced to prevent asthma in case it should figure as second biggest cause of death in India next to road accidents, probably replacing cancers (heart disease occupies the number one slot now). Addressing a press conference organized by Cipla here on Monday on the occasion of World Asthma Day, Dr. M Raghavendra Rao, Head of Department of T.B and Chest Diseases at Rangaraya Medical College said a few cases of asthma were being reported in India, which made adopting a concerted action plan difficult. Industrialization and vehicular pollution, which result in deposition of massive quantities of SPM in the atmosphere, were two main causes of asthma. Smoking was another major factor causing asthma. Besides, most passive smokers end up as asthma patients. Dr. Raghavendra Rao said shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing (whistling noise in the chest during breathing). Asthma in children should be treated immediately after its detection as it could lead to other deadly complications. Chronic asthma could cause permanent damage to lungs. Timely treatment and proper medication were crucial to control the disease.