This article is an interview with Dr. Subhasish Roy is a specialist in Paediatrics, where he explains the befits of inhalation therapy for Asthma.
Are we neglecting our lung health?
It seems that we are neglecting our lung health. Pollution, lack of exercise, smoking, our lifestyle, etc. all contribute to the poor lung health. Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Cough, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sleep Apnea, Tuberculosis, etc. are some of the lung ailments that effect people depending on age, sex, family history, occupation and as mentioned earlier, lifestyle followed. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deaths due to lung diseases in India are on the rise accounting for 11 per cent of the total deaths. As many as 142.09 in every one lakh, died of one form of lung disease or the other giving India the dubious distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths in the world. This is further effecting our public health in the region, which has been greatly effected due to pollution and choices made for modern lifestyle. We have seen increase in the number of patients. The increase in the patient may not be alarming but is definitely a worrisome state.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is usually connected to allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity. Often the word asthma and bronchitis are confused with one another. Well they both are obstructive lung diseases. In both the disease patients find it difficult to breath. The air has a hard time getting out of your lungs. However, they are different diseases with different treatment. Asthma is a long-term, chronic condition, whereas bronchitis is an isolated incident occurring in response to acute infection and will most likely resolve on its own. Some the other respiratory ailment besides asthma, bronchitis are, Chronic Cough, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sleep Apnea, Tuberculosis, etc.
Is asthma curable?
It is very important to note here that asthma can be controlled through inhalation therapy. Asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease.Inhaled medicines are not just meant for severe asthmatics. Asthma is a condition of inflammation (swelling) of the lungs. The best treatment for inflammation of the lungs is steroids, and the most effective way of taking it is through inhalation therapy. When you take inhalation therapy, the steroid medicine goes directly through the lungs and has minimum side effects. Inhalers are not only meant for those with severe asthma. It is recommended even for those with moderate asthma. The steroid in your Controller will usually contain a corticosteroid, which is safe. If asthma is managed properly through inhalation therapy then an asthmatic can lead an active and healthy life despite your asthma. If you have asthma, you can rest assured that you will be able to lead a normal and active life. If you/your child follow your physician’s advice, educate yourselves about asthma, use your inhaled medication correctly as prescribed by the doctor, and avoid your triggers, there is no reason why asthma should get in the way of your dreams, your life. There are many successful men and women – film stars, politicians, business people, doctors, cricketers, even Olympic gold medallists who have asthma and still continue leading normal, active lives.
Is inhalation therapy addictive?
Asthma is a condition of inflammation (swelling) of the lungs. The best treatment for inflammation of the lungs is steroids, and the most effective way of taking it is through inhalation therapy. When you take inhalation therapy, the steroid medicine goes directly to the lungs and has minimum side effects. Inhalers are not only meant for those with severe asthma. It is recommended even for those with moderate asthma. The steroid in your Controller which contain a corticosteroid, which is safe. Corticosteroids are a copy of the steroids that are produced naturally in our bodies. Thus it is a very safe and effective treatment for asthma. It is important that these are not the same steroids that are misused by some athletes and body builders. However, not all inhalers contain steroid, some contain a quick relief drug.
Inhaled corticosteroids work by reducing mucus production and swelling in the airways, which make the airways less sensitive and thus decrease the chances of an asthma attack. Corticosteroids can be termed as lifesavers because they help in preventing or reversing inflammation in the airways while making them less sensitive to the triggers. These drugs, that can be referred to as “long term control” medicines, help in keeping both inflammation and asthma flare-ups under control.
To create awareness on inhalation therapy and its benefits a recent campaign #Berokzindagi was launched. The campaign is here to educate and help every sufferer to adopt the inhaler as their weapon of strength. Inhaler are not a sign of weakness, but echoes the patients’ undeniable resolve and spirit. Impact of asthma on quality of life is far greater than as perceived by the patients and the perception of the disease management is far more controlled in the minds of patients. Public awareness is the need of an hour. Increased awareness about inhalation treatment (including non-sufferers) to overcome social stigma; the assurance that inhalation is safe and reliable and to know that asthma can be controlled and thus is not a hindrance in living a full life are major concern areas. Hoping the campaign will break the stigma associated with asthma and use of inhalers.
About Dr. Roy
Dr. Subhasish Roy is a specialist in Paediatrics. He has completed his MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery & MD – Doctor of Medicine and has been practising for more than 15 years. He is available at his own chamber in Paikpara every Monday to Saturday and at Shoishab, Paikpara every Monday to Saturday (Except Friday). He is also available at Columbia Asia Hospital, Salt Lake every day.
Hashtags: #asthma #breathefree #lunghealthofindia #lunghealth #inhalationtherapy #berokzindagi
Leave a Reply