Archive for the ‘ Asthma ’ Category

Asthma Care: Symptoms, Risks and Treatment options

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

India is home to more than 3.43 crore asthmatics. That is a huge burden and accounts for around 13% of the global asthma load. What is more alarming is that urban areas are seeing higher number of new cases, especially among children. Sadly, more than 80% of the asthma cases in India remain either undiagnosed or undertreated. This is due to lack of awareness of symptoms or limited access to high-quality care medical care sometimes due to financial constraints. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and constriction of the airways. It can occur in a variety of ways—from mild coughing spells to life-threatening episodes. Although it can’t be cured, it can definitely be controlled with prompt treatment, appropriate medications, and lifestyle modifications.

This is a serious health condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life if not well-managed. With increasing pollution, urban stressors, and lifestyle factors, asthma is becoming alarmingly common in India’s metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Asthma is not “just a childhood disease” or “only weather-triggered,” as popularly believed. It’s a multifactorial condition that depends on genetics, environmental exposures, immune mechanisms, and even psychological stress. And although there is no cure, asthma can be controlled well—enabling patients to live full, active lives.

Table of Contents

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term breathing disorder that impacts millions of people all over the globe, including a large population in India’s busy metro towns. It is caused by inflammation and contraction of the bronchial tubes, which are airways that bring and remove air from and to the lungs. These contraction and inflammation prevent air from passing through, resulting in the defining features of asthma, including wheezing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and coughing. The pathophysiology of asthma involves three key changes in the airways:

  • Inflammation
    The airway lining gets swollen and inflamed. The inflammation can be caused by different factors, including allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, and irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes. Inflammation is a normal reaction of the body to such irritants, but in asthma, it becomes persistent and causes a constant constriction of the airways.
  • Bronchospasm
    The muscles around the airways contract and tighten, further decreasing the airways. This tightening may be acute and severe, usually precipitated by exposure to allergens, exercise, or even weather changes. Bronchospasm can lead to sudden onset of wheezing and shortness of breath, which can be frightening and distressing for patients.
  • Overproduction of Mucus
    The airways release abnormally large amounts of mucus, which obstruct the already constricted air tubes. This interference in airflow increases the difficulty of breathing. Overproduction of mucus is a protective mechanism of the respiratory system, but in asthma, it is excessive and adds to the severity of the problem.

These mechanisms lead to episodic breathing obstruction that may range from mild to severe. The symptoms may be precipitated by a wide range of factors such as allergens, infections, exercise, and emotional stress. Identification of these precipitating factors and their control is important for the management of asthma symptoms and quality of life.

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of India’s metro cities, where stress levels are high and pollution levels tend to be high as well, asthma management is all the more important. Current and potential patients need to be well-educated about the condition, its triggers, and how it can be best managed. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers, compliance with medications, and lifestyle changes can greatly enhance control over asthma and lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. Medical experts emphasize on the importance of early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing education for patients and their families.

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms

Asthma is not a one-size-fits-all disease. It presents itself differently in every individual—some people experience symptoms all the time, while others have them only on exertion, weather changes, or respiratory infections. Accurate detection of early signs of asthma are essential to ensure timely diagnosis and proper control, particularly in a nation like India, where underdiagnosis is a public health issue of serious concern.

The most recognizable asthma symptoms often involve the lungs and airways, but they can also affect sleep and overall energy levels. Some of the key symptoms include:

  • Persistent or recurrent coughing – this is seen more often at night or early morning. Many patients mistake this for a lingering cold.
  • Wheezing – a high-pitched, whistling sound while breathing, typically when exhaling.
  • Shortness of breath – especially during exercise, walking upstairs, or when exposed to allergens.
  • Chest tightness or pressure – this may feel like a band squeezing your chest or make it difficult to take deep breaths.

Many of these symptoms can be mild or severe and may come and go. Recognizing when and how they occur—whether triggered by allergens, cold air, pollution, stress or physical activity—can help you and your doctor create an effective asthma action plan.

Early Warning Signs: Don’t Ignore Subtle Changes

Before a full-scale asthma attack, your body often sends warning signals. These early signs may be are subtle yet they are important and must not be missed:

  • Unusual fatigue or feeling winded with mild activity
  • Coughing after exercise or exposure to allergens
  • Increased mucus production or throat clearing
  • Waking up at night due to breathlessness or coughing
  • Tightness in the chest during or after a cold

Ignoring these crucial asthma related signs can delay essential care. If you notice these symptoms becoming more frequent or intense, it’s time to consult an asthma specialist for further attention.

What Does an Asthma Attack Feel Like?

An asthma attack can occur suddenly and may also escalate quickly becoming life-threatening without timely intervention. During an attack, the airways become severely inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of a serious attack include:

  • Coughing that doesn’t subside
  • Severe wheezing or breathlessness
  • Bluish lips, face, or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen levels)
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Inability to speak full sentences
  • Intense anxiety or a sense of panic

If a rescue inhaler is not bringing much or any relief in minutes, go to the emergency room immediately. Delay can be fatal.

Medical statistics in India, suggest that many young children with asthma go undiagnosed. Instead, they are often treated repeatedly for “bronchitis” or recurrent pneumonia without lasting relief. Here are some warning signs in children to watch out for:

  • Frequent coughing, especially at night or after play
  • Wheezing or noisy breathing
  • Avoidance of physical activities
  • Poor sleep due to cough or breathing difficulty

Early intervention is the key to better care. If your child shows these signs, consult the best asthma doctors in Mumbai or a trusted pediatric pulmonologist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

It’s important to note that not everyone with asthma wheezes. Some people may only experience:

  • Chronic fatigue or frequent sighing
  • Difficulty sleeping or unexplained anxiety
  • Rapid breathing during stress or exertion

These less typical symptoms often go unrecognized, especially in adults. If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out for medical care at the earliest.

Asthma in Children: Often Missed, Frequently Misdiagnosed

In India, far too many children with asthma are not diagnosed. Rather, they are repeatedly treated for “bronchitis” or recurring pneumonia with no long-term relief. Warning signs in children are:

  • Frequent coughing, particularly at night or after activity
  • Wheezing or noisy breathing
  • Keeping away from physical activities
  • Cough or shortness of breath leading to poor sleep

Early treatment is the key. Do not delay seeking care for asthma for your child. If your child is presenting with these symptoms, consult the top asthma specialists in Mumbai or a known pediatric pulmonologist for proper assessment and customized care plan.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Certain biological and environmental factors increase your risk of developing asthma. Knowing these can help you take preventative action.

Non-Modifiable Risks:

  • Family history of asthma
  • Atopy (genetic predisposition to allergies)
  • Gender (boys more likely in childhood, women more likely in adulthood)
  • Premature birth

Modifiable Risks:

  • Exposure to cigarette smoke (active or passive)
  • Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold
  • Pollution and smog (especially in metro areas)
  • Use of gas stoves and poor ventilation
  • Obesity and sedentary lifestyle

Avoiding the modifiable risk factors is the first and essential step toward asthma prevention.

Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are struggling with deteriorating air quality. Urban air pollution, inadequate ventilation in multi-story apartments, and workplace exposure to chemicals may trigger or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Construction dust, car exhaust, smog and ozone exposure, and industrial fumes are some other urban triggers contributing to the risk factors of asthma. It is important to take precautions and wear a mask while stepping in highly polluted areas.

Importance of an Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is well-known among asthmatics. It is one of the most important tools in your care journey and is personalized for you by your specialist. Here are some key aspects of your treatment plan which is elaborated in your asthma action plan:

  • Your usual medications and dosages.
  • Early warning signs of a flare-up.
  • Step-by-step actions during an asthma attack.
  • Emergency contact information.

This plan isn’t just designed for you—it empowers your family, caregivers, teachers, or coworkers to respond appropriately during emergencies. Many leading hospitals, including Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offering asthma treatment in Mumbai, provide printed and digital action plans as part of asthma care. This helps spread awareness about your health condition and keeps the patient in charge of their own health. Regular reviews of this plan with your doctor—especially during seasonal changes—can be of immense help to patients and can greatly reduce sudden health complications.

Common Misconceptions about Asthma

Medical experts dealing in asthma cases have experienced several misconceptions that often delay timely treatment and effective management of asthma. The right information and awareness about a medical condition is essential to manage it appropriately. Here are eight common myths about asthma that need to be addressed:

  • Myth 1: Inhalers are addictive
    That is not true, inhalers are not addictive. Inhalers are lifesaving devices, particularly when used appropriately under medical guidance. Inhalers administer medication directly into the airways, which gives immediate relief during asthma attack or long-term management when taken as instructed. The apprehension of addiction discourages many patients from using inhalers, which is not good for their health.
  • Myth 2: Asthma goes away with age
    There is no scientific evidence to prove this information. Although some children see fewer symptoms of asthma as they grow, asthma doesn’t “disappear.” Adults can develop it at an older age, and asthma that goes untreated can get progressively worse. Proper monitoring and treatment are needed to avoid complications and maintain a quality life.
  • Myth 3: Exercise should be avoided
    In fact, moderate exercise is known to help strengthen your lung health. With precautions in place, a majority of patients with asthma are able to carry out routine workouts—marathon running included. Exercise-induced asthma can be handled using medication and warm-up schedules, and therefore, patients may lead healthy lifestyles.
  • Myth 4: Steroids are dangerous
    There are different types of steroids available in the market. The inhaled corticosteroids used for asthma are different from the anabolic steroids used by athletes. They act locally in the lungs and are one of the safest long-term management options when prescribed appropriately. These medications reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, significantly improving patients’ respiratory function.
  • Myth 5: Asthma is only a childhood disease
    Asthma can develop in people of all ages. Although it’s widespread among children, several adults contract asthma much later in life too. Symptoms may be varied, and it is important to detect and treat asthma for all ages in order to avoid severe attacks and complications.
  • Myth 6: Asthma medications have severe side effects
    That is not true. When taken in recommended doses, asthma medications are safe and effective. Side effects, if at all, will be mild and controllable. The advantages of well-controlled asthma overwhelmingly outweigh medication’s possible dangers. Frequent follow-ups by pulmonologists provide reassurance that treatment is kept optimal and side effects are reduced to a bare minimum.
  • Myth 7: Asthma is not a serious illness
    Asthma can be a dangerous and life-threatening situation if left untreated. Untreated asthma can cause frequent hospital admissions, worsening of lung function, and impairment in daily functioning. Early detection, compliance with treatment, and continuous monitoring are key to effective control.
  • Myth 8: Asthma can be cured
    Asthma has no permanent cure as of today. However, this condition can be well controlled by lifestyle changes, health precautions and certain medications. The majority of patients, with an appropriate treatment regimen, can lead healthy, active lives. It becomes easier for patients to adhere to their management when they realize that asthma is a chronic illness.

These misconceptions can prevent patients from seeking timely help or adhering to treatment, leading to frequent attacks and hospitalizations. Highly experienced asthma specialists pay utmost attention on the importance of accurate information and personalized care. Stop believing in these asthma myths which have no scientific proof. Regular consultations with expert healthcare providers, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications are key to managing asthma effectively. Regular medical care and an asthma emergency plan will ensure that asthma patients lead a healthy, active lives.

Essential Ways to Keep Asthma Under Control

  • Track Your Symptoms Actively
    The most common asthma symptoms – wheezing, coughing (particularly at night), shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest must never be neglected. Patients are advised to maintain a symptom diary or utilize mobile apps to monitor flare-ups.
  • Recognize and Avoid Triggers
    Dust mites, pollen, household cleaners, perfumes, pollution, tobacco smoke, and even cold air can trigger symptoms. You must work with your pulmonologist and help identify your personal triggers by means of allergy testing.
  • Know Your Medications
    Consult your doctor to understand your medications in detail and learn how they work. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) provide instant symptom relief, while controller medications (like inhaled corticosteroids) reduce inflammation. You must use them both at the right time.
  • Use a Spacer with Inhalers
    Many patients unknowingly waste medicine by not using a spacer, which ensures deeper delivery into the lungs. It’s especially helpful for children and the elderly.
  • Get Regular Reviews
    Asthma evolves, and so should your treatment plan. A six-month review with a pulmonologist is ideal—even if you’re feeling fine.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While occasional breathlessness may not always indicate asthma, recurring symptoms demand attention. You must seek immediate medical care from an asthma specialist if:

  • You use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week
  • Night symptoms disrupt your sleep
  • You avoid activities due to breathlessness
  • You experience flare-ups despite medication

Consult the best asthma doctors in Mumbai, India at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for an accurate diagnosis, lung function tests, and a personalized action plan.

Emergency Signs You Should Never Ignore

Asthma can turn critical quickly. Recognize when your condition requires immediate medical attention:

  • No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler
  • Rapid decline in breathing capacity
  • Blue lips or nails
  • Inability to speak
  • Feeling faint or dizzy

In such cases, do not delay seeking emergency care.

Good asthma care goes beyond medication. Here’s how you can complement your treatment plan with healthier habits:

  • Sleep Well
    Lack of sleep can trigger flare-ups and weaken immunity. You must get at least 7–8 hours of deep sleep each night.
  • Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
    Choose to have leafy greens, turmeric, fatty fish, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.
  • Exercise Smart
    Start with light walks, swimming, or yoga. Always warm up and carry your reliever inhaler.
  • Reduce Stress
    Practices like meditation and deep breathing can reduce anxiety-induced flare-ups.
  • Track Air Quality
    On high-pollution days, avoid outdoor exertion and use indoor air purifiers if possible.

Asthma Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Asthma is a lifelong journey—but it doesn’t have to be a limiting one. With the right medical support, a personalized action plan, and a few lifestyle changes, you can breathe easier and live fully. We encourage you to take that first step toward better asthma management. Early intervention saves lives, and quality care makes all the difference. Our Department of Pulmonary Medicine offers comprehensive asthma care in Mumbai with access to the latest therapies and compassionate care. Early detection, environmental awareness, and regular consultations with expert pulmonologists go a long way.

At the best hospital for asthma treatment in India patients now have access to a full spectrum of advanced treatment options tailored to individual needs. Here’s what to expect:

  • Inhalers and Spacers
    The cornerstone of asthma care. From metered dose inhalers to dry powder inhalers, your pulmonologist will help select the right device and technique for you.
  • Nebulizers
    Often used for children or severe attacks, nebulizers convert medication into a fine mist, making it easier to inhale deeply.
  • Biologic Therapy
    For patients with severe asthma unresponsive to standard treatments, certain injectable medications are given every few weeks for prompt management and care of severe asthma.
  • Oral Medications
    Leukotriene modifiers and oral corticosteroids may be used in certain cases, although long-term use of the latter is avoided due to side effects.
  • Lifestyle Integration
    Alongside medication, our hospital’s integrative approach includes diet counseling, stress management, yoga therapy, and respiratory physiotherapy. These can make a tangible difference in your quality of life.

We offer modern diagnostic tools, evidence-based therapies, and compassionate, long-term care to help manage asthma. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, don’t wait for a crisis. Schedule a check-up today and take control of your respiratory health. Breathe better. Live fuller.

Importance of an Asthma Action Plan

Monday, May 6th, 2024

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and can make breathing difficult. The muscles in the airways tighten when exposed to triggers and the airway lining becomes swollen and inflamed, producing mucous. Consequently, they narrow down, leading to breathing challenges and classic asthma indicators like coughing, wheezing, chest constriction, and breathlessness.A flare-up can come on slowly over hours, days, or even weeks, or quickly over minutes.While it can’t be cured, it can certainly be managed effectively with the right approach. An asthma management plan is a personalized guide tailored to an individual’s specific triggers, symptoms, and medications. Let’s delve deeper into why having such a plan is absolutely crucial.

Asthma Action Plan

It is important for everyone with asthma to have an Asthma Action Plan. It provides information and instructions on how you can manage your asthma.Asthma action plans contain three levels of severity: green, yellow, and red. These plans outline the medications required and the steps to take at different stages. Work with an asthma specialistto devise an asthma action plan detailing necessary medication, their dosages and when to administer them. Such plans are beneficial for both children and adults.Top of Form

It includes:

  • How to manage your asthma daily
  • How to manage asthma flare-ups
  • How to manage severe asthmaflare-ups
  • What to do in an asthma emergency

Why Asthma Management is important?

Medication is essential to manage asthma well. Good asthma care also involves treating other conditions that can affect asthma. A healthy lifestyle can help you stay in control of your asthma symptoms and lead a normal and active life. Why you must have an asthma management plan:

  • Empowerment Through Knowledge
    One of the primary benefits of an asthma management plan is the empowerment it provides to patients. By understanding their condition and its triggers, individuals are better equipped to recognize early warning signs and take appropriate action promptly. This knowledge can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
  • Proactive Approach to Treatment
    An effective asthma management plan is not merely reactive; it’s proactive. It outlines daily medications, triggers to avoid, and steps to take during an exacerbation. By staying ahead of the curve, patients can minimize the disruption asthma has on their daily lives and maintain optimal lung function.
  • Tailored to Individual Needs
    Asthma is a highly variable condition, with triggers ranging from pollen and pet dander to exercise and stress. An asthma management plan takes these individual differences into account, offering personalized strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
  • Emergency Preparedness
    Asthma attacks can escalate rapidly, making preparedness essential. An asthma management plan includes instructions for handling emergencies, such as when to use a rescue inhaler, when to seek medical help, and what to do if symptoms worsen despite treatment. This can be life-saving.

Risks of not having an Asthma Management Plan

Now, let’s explore the repercussions of neglecting to have an asthma management plan in place:

  • Increased risk of severe attacks
  • Poor quality of life
  • Emergency room visits and hospitalization
  • Missed opportunities for prevention of asthma attack

Asthma Treatment at KokilabenDhirubhai Ambani Hospital

An Asthma management plan is a lifeline for those living with this chronic condition. By empowering patients with knowledge, promoting proactive treatment, and tailoring care to individual needs, timely medical care can significantly improve asthma outcomes and enhance your quality of life. Reach out to highly trained pulmonologists at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine to create your personalised asthma management plan. When asthma symptoms are appropriately treated and an emergency action plan is in place, patients can lead a regular, healthy lifestyle. Below are our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine/asthma.html

Asthma – Do’s and Don’ts

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects many people around the world. 3.4 crore Indians suffer from this respiratory condition contributing to around 11.1 per cent of the global asthma burden. It is a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Wheezing and shortness of breath are brought on by the irritated and constricted airways that result from the inflammation, which makes it difficult for air to enter and exit the body. Additionally, due to the inflammation, the airways produce mucus, which leads to coughing and obstructs airflow. Patients with asthma frequently experience abrupt bouts of shortness of breath and breathlessness. While there is no cure for asthma, there are steps that asthma patients can take to manage their condition and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms can be seen in childhood or can also be detected later in life. Most asthma patients rely on inhalers to get instant relief from asthma attacks. The typical symptoms of asthma include:

  • Wheezing
  • Troubled breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Panting
  • Cough with or without mucus

Common Asthma triggers

Asthma patients must evaluate and find out what makes their asthma worse and what triggers its symptoms. Here are some common asthma triggers:

  • Common infections such as cold, cough
  • Pollens and moulds
  • Stress
  • Allergies to animals like cats or dog
  • Allergy to dust mites
  • Certain medications
  • Fumes from paints and solvents
  • Feathers and foams

Asthma Precautions

During an asthma attack, it is essential that patients use medications on time. Patients should avoid physical exertion and make sure they are not alone when having an asthma episode. The patient’s condition will get worse if they panic when they are having an episode. Patients with asthma must always have their inhalers close at hand so they may use them in case of an attack and stop their asthma or other respiratory conditions from growing worse. Here are some dos and don’ts for asthma patients to help manage their condition better:

Do’s for asthma patients

Asthma patients must:

  • Identify and avoid triggers
  • Keep a written asthma action plan
  • Maintain a healthy sleep routine
  • Stay active
  • Eat  a health and balanced diet
  • Keep the house clean and dust free
  • Try and stay in pollution free environment
  • Regularly consult the doctor
  • Keep inhalers handy
  • Take medicines as prescribed

Don’ts for asthma patients

  • Do not disrupt your regular routine
  • Refrain from smoking and drinking
  • Do not overeat or have spicy food
  • Do not forget to take medications on time
  • Don’t delay seeking care for asthma attack
  • Don’t forget to clean your inhaler
  • Don’t use scented products

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that requires ongoing management. By following these dos and don’ts, asthma patients can help manage their condition and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. Remember to always consult your doctor before making any changes to your asthma treatment plan. With proper management, people with asthma are able to lead active and healthy lives.

Asthma treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Asthma symptoms and its severity usually differ from person to person. Consult highly trained and experienced pulmonologists at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine to meet the best asthma specialists in Mumbai. Our team offers a detailed asthma management action plan that helps manage your trigger better and minimize the asthma attacks. We also guide patients with emergency asthma care instructions and proper use of inhalers. Please find below our website details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

Common Asthma Triggers

Monday, May 2nd, 2022

Asthma is caused by inflammation or swelling of the airways. The lining of the airways expands and the muscles surrounding the airways tighten during an asthma attack. The volume of air that may move through the airway is reduced as a result. India accounts for 11.1 percent of the global asthma burden and over 42% of asthma-related deaths, making it the world’s asthma capital. Respiratory viral infections are the primary cause of asthma aggravations. The causes behind asthma can vary from person to person. However, one thing is certain: when airways come into contact with a trigger, they become irritated, narrowed, and mucus-filled.

Asthma triggers

When you experience an asthma attack, your airways narrow, making breathing difficult. Your body may experience shortness of breath, wheezing or cough as it tries to expel mucus. It’s critical to know your asthma triggers if you or a loved one suffers from the condition. You can take appropriate action to avoid them once you have identified them. As a result, your asthma attacks will be less frequent and less severe. Some of the most common asthma triggers include:

  • Animals (pet hair or dander).
  • Dust mites.
  • Certain medicines.
  • Changes in weather.
  • Chemicals in the air or in food.
  • Physical activity.
  • Food and food additives.
  • Pollen.
  • Respiratory infections or allergies.
  • Stress.
  • Tobacco smoke.

Allergies and Asthma

Pollens from trees, grass, and weeds; mould; animal dander; dust mites; and cockroach droppings cause allergies in 80% of patients with asthma. Children with high amounts of cockroach droppings in their homes were four times more likely than children with low levels to develop childhood asthma, according to one study.

Food Additives and Asthma

Food allergies can range from minor to severe and even life-threatening asthma attacks. If you have food allergies, asthma can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction. Eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish and seafood, food preservatives, and other foods are commonly linked to allergic asthma.

Exercise and Asthma

A rigorous workout can cause airways to constrict in a majority of asthma patients. Exercising is a common asthma trigger. Exercise-induced asthma causes chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing within the first 5 to 15 minutes of an aerobic workout, and can last for hours.  

Smoking and Asthma

People who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing asthma. If you have asthma, smoking can aggravate symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of wheezing in the baby. If you have asthma and smoke, the most important thing you can do to protect your lungs is to quit.

Asthma care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Do you suffer from asthma? People with severe asthma are more likely to have life-threatening and chronic symptoms. Severe asthma negatively impacts the health and quality of life for individuals and their families. Although not curable, asthma is treatable. Consult highly trained best pulmonologists at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine for managing your asthma symptoms. Our team works with each patient and provides them with a personalised asthma management plan. When asthma symptoms are appropriately treated and an emergency action plan is in place, patients can lead a regular, healthy lifestyle. Below is our website link for further information on Asthma care: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine/asthma.html

Managing Asthma

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021

Is it the air conditioner, or air pollution, or any particular food that has flared up your asthma? Concerned about your asthma symptoms? India is home to 1.5 to 2 crore asthma patients, and at least one in every 10 asthma patient globally lives in India. Considered the most common chronic disease among children, asthma is prevalent in all countries. Research suggests that 90 percent of childhood asthma and 50 percent of adult asthma is caused due to a reaction to environmental allergens like dust, pollen, insects, and domesticated animals. Let us learn how to manage this respiratory condition better and live a healthy life.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. This is a long-term condition affecting the airways that involves inflammation and narrowing inside the lungs, which restricts air supply. Here are a few common symptoms:

  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing
  • Breathlessness
  • Coughing
  • Increased mucus production

An asthma attack occurs when the symptoms become severe. Attacks can begin suddenly and range from mild to being severe. In some cases, swelling in the airways can prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs, this can be life-threatening and needs emergency care.

Common Asthma triggers

Asthma can occur in many different ways and for many different reasons, but the triggers are often the same. They include airborne pollutants, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, foods with added flavour, mold, pests and cigarette smoke.

Asthma Management

With good asthma management, you can lead a normal, active life. Timely adherence to medication as prescribed by your doctor is essential to manage asthma well. The main aims of asthma treatment are to: 

  • Keep symptoms under control
  • Prevent flare-ups
  • Keep lungs as healthy as possible
  • Fewer days off work or school
  • Fewer hospital visits

Playing an active role in managing your asthma treatment will help you maintain better long-term asthma control, prevent asthma attacks and avoid long-term problems. Effective asthma treatment necessitates keeping track of your symptoms, performing tests to determine your lung function and meeting your doctor on a regular basis to change your treatment based on your symptoms.

Myths and Facts

Some common myths about asthma which people believe even today include:

Myth: Asthma medications are habit-forming and dangerous.
Fact: Asthma medications are safe and essential for asthma management. They keep the disease under control, allowing patients to lead a normal active life. The chronic nature of asthma requires a specific routine of long-term medication use.

Myth: People with asthma should not exercise.
Facts: People with asthma are encouraged to lead an active lifestyle including participation in fitness activities. Consult your doctor to know more about the recommended exercises for you.

Myth: Dietary supplements can help ease asthma symptoms.
Fact: There is no proof that specific nutrients help treat asthma. A variety of herbs and supplements have been studied, but none have been found to improve the lung function of asthma patients.

Myth: You can outgrow asthma
Fact: Asthma may improve with age, but it’s a lifelong condition. Asthma symptoms may change over time and become intermittent or disappear, however you do not outgrow asthma.

Tips to prevent asthma attacks

These are some of the steps to help control and prevent an asthma attack:

1. Stay away from allergens which may increase inflammation as much as possible.

2. Take all precautions to prevent cold or flu as these can cause breathing difficulties and make asthma symptoms worse.

3. Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

4. Avoid certain asthma triggers which include- cold air, air pollution, smoke, or fragrances.

Asthma care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Asthma symptoms and severity are always changing and differ from person to person. Meet specialists at our Pulmonary Medicine Department for a detailed asthma management action plan that helps avoid asthma attacks and minimize the disruptions caused by asthma. Apart from reviewing your health regularly, our doctor also helps provide advice for emergency care and ensures that you are well informed about how to use the inhalers correctly. The Department is also equipped with a state-of-the-art Pulmonary Function Testing Lab for comprehensive lung function testing. For further information please visit the below website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine/asthma.html