HYDERABAD: World Asthma Day was celebrated all across the world on May 2nd (1st Tuesday of May). The annual event was created by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in 1998 to raise awareness about Asthma. Dr SV Praveen, MD, MRCP (UK), Consultant Physician & Pulmonologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital enlightens us on Asthma
What causes asthma?
There are many factors that contribute to asthma. There are evidence that allergies are a factor, especially if you are below 16 years.
What makes asthma worse?
There are some triggers which can make asthma worse (an asthma attack). Common cold- one of the most common causes in many people.Exposure to allergens-cold air,grass pollen, house dust and animal fur (including your own pets).
Exercise- running, particularly in cold weather. Irritants like tobacco smoke, fumes and a dusty atmosphere, emotions like anger, anxiety or happiness. Pollution, especially from traffic, is increasingly recognised for making asthma worse.
How to recognise when your asthma is causing problems?
One of the signs is if one wakes up during the night or in the early morning with wheezing, breathlessness or coughing.
What is the latest treatment for asthma?
Injections are given to the patients on whom the usual treatment does not respond. This is a quite expensive treatment and is only given to severe patients.The other treatments are often given as an inhaler or nebuliser and in tablet form also.
What are the important measures to be taken?
One should opt for ‘3ply’ masks, that are available at any medical shop. Cellulose fabric masks,honeycomb masks can be used to prevent dust,smoke,pollution etc.
Are there any alternative therapies to use along with asthma medications?
There are no alternative therapies which can be used.All homeopathic,ayurvedic,allopathic,yoga has failed to prove treat.