Asthma is a chronic medical condition in which a person’s airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, which makes it difficult to breathe causing coughing, stiffness in the chest, gasping, and shortness of the breath are the typical symptoms of asthma. Genetic & environmental factors are responsible for the increase in the incidence of Asthma in the country.
It is estimated over 300 million people worldwide are victims of asthma, with 37·9 million in India. In India, about 6% of children and 2% of adults are diagnosed to have asthma. The burden of asthma is so high in India, One in every 10 asthma patients globally lives in India. It is a non-curable, chronic disease of lungs but it could be controlled and managed.
India has the highest concentrations of air pollution caused by biomass, fossil fuels, vehicular exhausts, mining operations, and factory exhaust. Use of mosquito coils, room fresheners and chemically coated incense sticks cause indoor pollution.
Types of Asthma
• Hereditary Asthma: This is usually present in about 30-40 percent of the cases and a family history of asthma or any allergic history is present.
• Exercise-induced Asthma:On performing strenuous exercise suddenly gasping, coughing and breathlessness is observed particularly on cold winter days.
• Occupational Asthma: Triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced Asthma: Caused by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, smoke, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets
What is the main cause of Asthma?
Exposure to irritants, airborne substances, cigarette, smoke, such as pollen, dust mites, fungal growth, microorganisms, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste, respiratory infections, such as the common colds act as a trigger to asthma. Excessive exposure to cold air also causes asthma.
Diagnosis of Asthma
Consultants will make note of detail history of the patient, examination to identify symptoms of wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Further, a Spirometry test (breathing tests), chest X-ray and allergy tests may be advised for patients to scientifically diagnose for Asthma. .
Treatment
Emphasis is on controlling airway inflammation (swelling) and relieving acute narrowing (constriction) of the airways when it occurs. Latest generation of drugs, inhalers are prescribed to control the asthma and to improve the quality of life of asthmatic. Education about escaping from triggers and appropriate medication use are advised by Consultants which the asthmatic will have to follow it for better outcome.
Regular check-up Contact your doctor
If experiencing frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than couple of days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma immediately consult doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from worsening over time.
Take charge of your asthma by educating yourself on all aspects of asthma care. If an individual is obese reduce weight, quit smoking, avoid exposure to passive smoking, stay away from exhaust fumes and all forms of pollution
Proper treatment, education and awareness about all the aspects of asthma including early signs and symptoms makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma. Early Consultation of Respiratory Physicians and taking treatment is the only option to prevent damage to the lungs.
