Hyderabad: From children to older adults, asthma affects millions worldwide, often disrupting daily life with sudden breathlessness and persistent wheezing. Rising pollution, allergies and changing lifestyles are contributing to a sharp rise in asthma cases across India.
On World Asthma Day on May 5, experts stress that awareness, timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help patients lead healthy and active lives.
Awareness can bring widespread change in controlling asthma
Asthma may be a chronic respiratory disease, but it need not inspire fear or hopelessness. With the right treatment, regular medication, and lifestyle modifications, most asthma patients can keep their symptoms well under control.
Yet, one of the biggest challenges in India continues to be the widespread lack of awareness about the disease, especially the misconceptions surrounding inhaler therapy.
‘Inhalers are not sign of weakness’
The theme for this year’s World Asthma Day is ‘Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma: still an urgent need’.
According to health experts, inhalers are not a sign of severe illness or dependency. Instead, they are among the safest and most effective ways to control asthma and prevent life-threatening attacks.
Explaining the causes, symptoms and latest treatment approaches for asthma, Dr T Vivek, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Renova Century Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, said early diagnosis and consistent treatment can dramatically improve quality of life for patients.
India bears 13% of global asthma burden
Globally, an estimated 260 million people are living with asthma, while more than 4.5 lakh deaths occur every year due to asthma-related complications. India accounts for nearly 13 per cent of the global asthma burden, making it one of the countries most affected by the disease.
Health experts point out that asthma-related deaths in India are significantly higher compared to many other countries, largely due to a lack of awareness, delayed treatment and poor disease control.
Children, too, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Studies indicate that in certain regions, anywhere between 3 and 20 per cent of children suffer from asthma symptoms. Urban areas such as Hyderabad are witnessing a steady rise in respiratory illnesses due to traffic pollution, dust exposure, construction activity and deteriorating air quality.
What happens during asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways of the lungs.
In asthma patients, the air passages become highly sensitive to triggers such as dust, smoke, pollen, cold air, infections or strong smells. When exposed to these triggers, the airways become inflamed and swollen. Excess mucus production further narrows these air passages, making it difficult for air to move freely in and out of the lungs.
Common symptoms include:
Breathlessness
Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing
Chest tightness
Persistent coughing
Difficulty breathing, especially at night or early morning
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and can worsen suddenly if not managed properly.
Common asthma triggers
Several environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger asthma attacks or worsen symptoms. These include:
– Dust and pollution
– Cigarette smoke
– Allergies
– Viral infections
– Cold weather
– Pet hair and dander
– Chemical fumes and perfumes
– Emotional stress
– Family history of asthma
Experts say avoiding triggers plays an important role in preventing flare-ups and improving quality of life.
Warning signs you should not ignore
Respiratory specialists advise people to seek medical evaluation if they experience:
– Frequent coughing spells
– Breathlessness during physical activity
– Wheezing sounds
– Recurrent chest tightness
– Night-time cough
– Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
– Frequent respiratory infections
Ignoring early symptoms can lead to severe asthma attacks that may require emergency treatment or hospitalisation.
How asthma is diagnosed
Doctors diagnose asthma through clinical evaluation and lung function tests, such as:
– Spirometry
– Peak flow meter test
– Allergy testing
– Chest X-ray
– FeNO test
– Blood tests
– Exercise challenge test
– Sputum analysis
These tests help assess lung function and identify possible allergic triggers.
Why experts are emphasising inhalers
One of the biggest challenges in asthma treatment remains the widespread fear surrounding inhalers.
Many patients hesitate to use them due to misconceptions that inhalers are addictive or harmful in the long run. However, pulmonologists strongly refute these myths.
Inhaled corticosteroids work by controlling inflammation inside the airways — the root cause of asthma symptoms. Unlike oral medications, inhalers act quickly and usually cause fewer side effects because the medication is delivered directly into the lungs.
Managing asthma for long-term control
Although asthma may not always be completely curable, it can be effectively controlled with proper management.
Treatment plans may include:
Inhalers
Nebulisation
Anti-allergy medications
Breathing exercises
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Lifestyle changes
Doctors emphasise that asthma treatment must be tailored to the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Lifestyle measures matter
Experts recommend several precautions to reduce asthma attacks and maintain healthy lung function:
1. Keep indoor spaces clean and dust-free
2. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
3. Use masks in polluted environments
4. Avoid exposure to allergens
5. Protect against cold weather
6. Follow medications regularly
7. Learn the correct inhaler technique
8. Stay physically active with medical guidance
Asthma can be controlled
Doctors stress that asthma should never be neglected, even if symptoms appear mild.
Timely diagnosis, regular follow-up and treatment adherence can help patients lead completely normal and active lives. Most asthma-related emergencies can be prevented with proper care and awareness.
As pollution levels continue to rise and respiratory illnesses become increasingly common, doctors say awareness, early diagnosis and regular inhaler use could help millions of asthma patients breathe easier and live healthier lives.
Dr T Vivek is a Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist at Renova Century Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
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