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 Dr. Jacob BabyHead, Aster Pulmonology,Aster Medcity, Kochi
An asthma attack occurs when an allergen or a stress
factor causes an immune reaction that leads to inflammation (swelling) in the
airways, narrowing the air passage and reducing air flow in the lungs. This
causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, which can
last for a few minutes or up to days, depending on the severity and length of
exposure. If not treated, asthma attacks lead to frequent hospitalisation and
death.
People being diagnosed with asthma for the first time with no family history is
definitely going up. As for asthma among children, they may not remain asthmatic
if the triggers are taken away. Pollutants are also adding to wheezy bronchitis
and flare-ups in people with
COPD.
Prevalence is high in 5-11-year-old children who have smaller airways that get
constricted when exposed to allergens such as pollutants, dust, weather changes,
pollen, mites and hazardous gases in indoor and outdoor air. This makes asthma
the most common chronic disorder in children. About half the children who have
wheezing and asthmatic episodes outgrow it. Asthma rates worldwide, on average,
are rising by 50% every decade. "Some blame it on hygiene hypothesis, which
holds that children with lower exposure to bacteria and viruses in early
childhood do not develop a robust immunity."
Other triggers include indoor and outdoor air pollution, pollen, food colour and
additives, obesity, smoking, second-hand smoke, poorly ventilated homes and
workplaces (10% of adult asthma is work-related), cold weather, exercise and
stressors such as domestic violence and even relationships breaking down. House
dust mites and cockroaches are very strong allergens that can trigger asthma.
The Survey conducted by Aster Medcity among the public showed that 30 % of
asthmatics has no family history of asthma. This is definitely due to life style
changes in our community.
Since asthma is a chronic disease, it requires continuous medical care. Patients
with moderate to severe asthma have to take long-term medicines such as
anti-inflammatory drugs every day to prevent symptoms and attacks. If symptoms
occur, short-term medicines such as inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are used
to relieve them.
The goal of asthma therapy is to control asthma so that patients can live
active, full lives while minimising their risk of asthma exacerbations and other
problems. Medication is not the only way to control asthma, but it's as
important to avoid asthma triggers-stimuli that irritate and inflame the airways
such as fine dust, mouldy areas, second-hand smoke, sudden change in temperature
and acid reflex.
If you have asthma, avoid oily, spicy and fermented food, and do not lie down
two hours after dinner.
Its interesting to note that emotions also play a major role in precipating an
asthma attack. Anger, depression, relation break ups, anxiety etc. are very
common triggers. Other triggers are sudden climatic changes, dusty winds, secod
had smoking, food allergies, infections, lack of exercise, over sanitation etc.
Dr.Jacob Baby: 97444 81367
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