Asthma is a form of allergy

“Asthma is a form of allergy in which a person’s immune system recognises non-infectious parts like dust, pollen as allergens and causes the airway to narrow down. While there are no specific studies, nearly 10 in 10,000 people are affected by asthma,” says Dr Y Gopi Krishna, consultant pulmonologist at Mythri Hospital.

Since factors like dust, pollen and pollution are triggers for asthma, the incidence of the ailment has been rising with the increase in pollution levels in our cities. “Also people’s immunity levels are coming down due to various lifestyle factors, poor food habits and poor exposure during childhood. It is no wonder then that the incidence of asthma is on the rise these days,” says Dr Krishna, adding, “While it can’t be cured it can certainly be controlled and prevented. The two mainstays of treatment are counselling on the precaution to be taken and inhalers.”

Inhalers, says the doctor, are the first line of treatment for asthma. “Besides these are better than tablets and other forms of oral medication since the dosage is very low compared to them. So even inhalers with steroids and bronchodilators are perfectly safe as they are administered in very low doses. Alternately there are also tablets and injections available for treatment of asthma,” he says.

Monitoring lung function is essential for asthma patients to effectively control the ailment. “They can use a peak flow meter either at the hospital or at home regularly or get a spirometry done at the hospital once a year to determine how well the lungs are functioning. Doctors can alter treatment based on these readings,” says Dr Krishna.

“Asthma during pregnancy can be rather tricky as if it is not managed it can lead to complications like growth retardation. But inhalers are a great way to handle asthma in pregnant women since the dosage is so low and the drugs don’t cross the placental barrier,” he says.

Dr Y Gopi Krishna (Consultant pulmonologist at Mythri Hospital)

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Tags: allergy, Asthama, Dust, immune system, Pollen

Category: Opinion