BHUBANESWAR: Asthma is not a disease, it’s a symptom. Though it is not curable, it is treatable and controllable, health experts said.
Speaking on the occasion of World Asthma Day, Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in Capital Hospital Dr Anil Chandra Mohanty said asthma is a condition that has no cure, but can be controlled well through inhalers.
“There are many patients who used to stop taking their inhalers once they feel better. It can be not only dangerous but also affect their breathing. Patients should consult their doctor and the necessary tests be taken to keep their lungs healthy and fit,” he said.
Even as many think of heart’s health as a determining factor in overall wellness, it is the lung capacity that affects the health. But the condition of the organ is often overlooked.
Citing the importance of lung check-up, HoD of PG Department of Pulmonary Medicine of SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack Dr Manoranjan Patnaik said the choice of living has made people vulnerable to many lifestyle diseases.
“Smoking, no physical activity, food preferences and environmental factors like dust storm and pollution are making our lungs weak. Asthmatic patients should make a point to get their lung capacity checked regularly. Timely and regular treatment is the only way out to control it,” he added.
The pulmonologists, who appealed to get prompt check-ups to do well in life and understand asthma symptoms, said the most effective way to control asthma is through inhalation therapy. It is safe for persons of all age groups.