Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the airways swell and become narrow. This reduces the flow of oxygen to the lungs and the bloodstream. This triggers coughing, breathlessness and wheezing. During an asthma attack, the person is gasping for breath and the situation appears life threatening.

Asthma can be caused by :

 Allergy to airborne pollen, dust mites, pet hair, smoke etc.

 Pulmonary infections like cold and cough

 Physical Activity

 Cold Air

 Certain medications like beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen etc

 Stress

 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Smokers and Obese people have a greater risk of being asthmatic. To some extent the disease is also genetic in nature and runs into family. Many patients try to control their asthma with the use of an inhaler which makes them dependent on it.

Asthma is the body's response to irritation. This can be reduced by avoiding the irritants and building a healthy body. Avoiding the triggers, regular exercise, yoga, weight management, clean environment are all essential and best for keeping asthma at bay. These things will be important even after you get proper treatment for asthma.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you suffer from an asthma like attack, immediately consult a pulmonologist or lung specialist who would do a clinical examination. This would help in distinguishing between asthma and other respiratory problems like COPD. Some basic tests like Chest X-Ray, Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and Methacholine Challenge Test are sufficient to diagnose asthma. Chest X-Ray shows any kind of structural abnormalties in the lungs and the airways. PFT test is done before and after a bronchodilator. If the lung function improves after taking a bronchodilator then it points towards you having asthma. Methacholine is known to trigger asthma. If your airways become narrow by inhaling methacholine then you probably have asthma.

Asthma cannot be cured but can be effectively controlled. Prevention and long-term control are key to stopping asthma attacks before they start. Treatment usually involves learning to recognize your triggers and taking steps to avoid these triggers. You must track your breathing to make sure that the medications are keeping symptoms under control. In case of an asthma flare-up, you may need to use a quick-relief inhaler.

Asthma is best managed by the use of some medications which have to be taken daily. These can be in the form of oral medications or inhalers which will reduce the swelling in the airways and keep them open. This will prevent acute asthma attacks. The medications may have to be taken for several weeks to have full effect.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr Akbar Ali is one of the most qualified and one of the best Pulmonologist and Chest Specialist in India for the treatment of Asthma and other lung related problems at Radiant Hospital, Katihar India. The cost of the treatment should not be a prohibitive factor as there are few investigations which need to be carried out. The cost of initial consultation and the tests for confirming asthma would be less than Rs. 4,000. You would have to be in regular touch with your treating doctor till the right type and dose of the medication is set. Since asthma has no treatment, the patient has to follow the instructions of the doctor diligently in order to achieve maximum benefit. The goal is to avoid any attack of asthma and even if there is an attack then to manage it properly.