Asthma
Chronic Asthma Management & Treatment
OVERVIEW
Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children.
KEY FACTS
India contributes to 42 percent of global asthma deaths, according to a report published online in Lung India journal related to respiratory medicines. [Source: Indian Express]
Every year, 4.61 lakh people die due to asthma in the world, and India contributes to 1.98 lakh deaths.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. It affects millions of individuals worldwide, both children and adults.
Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. If symptoms are severe, people with asthma may need to receive emergency health care and they may be admitted to hospital for treatment and monitoring. In the most severe cases, asthma can lead to death.
Symptoms of Asthma
Symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person. Symptoms sometimes get significantly worse. This is known as an asthma attack.
Common symptoms include:
- a persistent cough, especially at night
- wheezing when exhaling and sometimes when inhaling
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting
- chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply
Diagnosis and evaluation of asthma
Diagnosis of asthma requires a consultation with a Pulmonologist and the work up includes chest X-ray, blood tests and lung function testing. Asthma is an easily treatable condition and patients can be symptom free with proper treatment and follow up.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in managing asthma effectively. Through a comprehensive evaluation, pulmonologist aims to identify the underlying triggers and severity of asthma in each patient.
Asthma treatment approaches
Inhalers: Asthma cannot be cured but there are several treatments available. The most common treatment is to use an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs. Inhalers can help control the disease and enable people with asthma to enjoy a normal, active life.
Environmental Control: Identifying and minimizing exposure to triggers is an essential aspect of asthma management. Recognize potential triggers, such as allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander), air pollution, and occupational factors.
Patient Education and Self-Management: Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and self-management techniques is crucial for long-term asthma control. We believe that informed patients are better equipped to manage their asthma and lead a healthy, active life.
Ongoing Care and Monitoring
We emphasize the importance of regular check-ups and monitoring lung function to ensure optimal asthma control.
Patient Comfort and Safety
We strive to provide a relaxing environment, ensuring that patients are well-informed and their concerns are addressed.
FAQs
My symptoms of asthma are intermittent. Can I take medications only when I am symptomatic?
Though symptoms of asthma can be intermittent, the basic problem of airway inflammation is continuous. The very reason asthma symptoms come and go is that the inflammation is still uncontrolled. The other reason for the symptoms to be intermittent is patients usually perceive only when the symptoms are severe. Milder symptoms are generally ignored. It is advisable to take medications regularly rather than intermittently.
Are inhalers addictive?
Certainly not. Inhalers are just like any other tablet but a lot safer due to their minute dose(1/1000 of a dose of a tablet generally) and direct delivery to lungs. A tablet usually reached your stomach and gets absorbed to reach your body. Inhalers are proven to be non-addictive.
Inhalers have steroids. Should I get worried because of steroid side effects?
The steroids in tablets and inhalers are same. However, the dose is very small and very little reaches parts other than lungs. Hence inhaled steroids are much safer when compared to tablets.
How often do I need to check my lung function if I’m an asthmatic?
If your symptoms are controlled with appropriate inhalers, then you require 6 monthly to yearly lung function testing. Lung function guided treatment for asthma is proven to be very effective.
What are the types of lung function testing available for asthma?
Spirometry, Oscillometry , FENO testing are some of the types of lung function testing in the workup of asthma. Each one has an established role in specific group of patients.
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