#BerokZindagi is possible with effective Inhalation Therapy

Jaipur, October , 2019: Asthma is an allergic reaction, which is triggered by various allergens, such as pollen, dust, cockroaches, dust mites, and pets. Monsoon being one of the major triggers. These asthma attacks cab be life threatening to senior citizens while for the younger patients’ symptoms get worse.

While monsoons might be a period of great relief for most people with the showers bringing about the much-needed respite from the intense heat of the summers, for those suffering from asthma, it is an ordeal as it worsens their condition. Monsoon can set off asthma attack as the continuous dampness in the surroundings leads to the creation of fungus causing allergy to the asthma patients. Monsoon mean more frequent asthmatic attacks. During this season, there usually is a high amount of pollen in the air, resulting in breathlessness and wheezing.

In India the acceptance of inhalers among women as well as the general masses is very low, primarily because of the prevailing myths such as the fear of addiction, the steroids in inhalers will cause harm while being pregnant or conceiving and that inhalers are ‘strong medicines ‘and should be used as last resort.

Dr. Mukesh Gupta, Pediatrician & Neonatologist says, “Seasonal Exacerbations occurs during monsoon season, due to viral and pollen change. We advise parents to take precautions during this time. Precautions like regular use of long term controllers, avoidance of pollens and seeking seasonal flu vaccines helps. Every year there is a rise in patients seeking asthma as there is awareness amongst patients regarding the disease and people are health conscious regarding asthma and allergies. Children between 2-8 Years are highly affected by asthma”.

“Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms of asthma, which is a chronic respiratory disease, arising due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. A person suffering from asthma experiences constriction in the airway passages, resulting in a restricted flow of oxygen to the lungs. During monsoons, the high humidity levels act as a trigger, leading to tightening of the airways muscles and difficulty in breathing”, added Dr. Vinod Joshi, Suprintendent & Senior Professor, Institute of Respiratory Disease , SMS Medical College , Jaipur.

Here are a few other reasons that make the monsoon a particularly difficult time for people living with asthma –
• Damp walls increase the possibility of mites thriving in homes which may trigger asthma attacks
• Precipitation of gases like Sulphur & nitrogen dioxide and sulphur takes place during this season. These chemicals can act as irritants and trigger asthma attacks
• The incidence of viral infections usually rises, resulting in a worsening of asthma attacks
• Pollutants from vehicle exhausts remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time, exposing people living with asthma to these chemicals much more than during other seasons

Despite increasing prevalence, asthma remains one of the poorly-controlled diseases. Inhalation therapy has emerged as the effective treatment to manage asthma, compared to oral therapy. With inhalation therapy, the drug hits the lungs directly instead of flowing through the bloodstream and other organs of the body.

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective drugs used in asthma to suppress airway inflammation. Also, corticosteroids seem to reverse components of the asthma-induced structural changes (airway remodeling), including the increased vascularity of the bronchial wall.

The GINA guidelines will now help to bridge the gap between the healthcare provider and patient to provide increased satisfaction, and better health outcomes. Every treatment plan will be customized keeping in mind the patient’s lifestyle conditions and treatment goals. The impact of implying the guidelines will create awareness and bring down the rate in hospitalizations and death. While doctors remain the prime influencer, family (46%) and friends (24%) play a critical role in adoption of inhalers. Don’t let asthma dampen your spirit this monsoon season, it’s time to live #BerokZindagi with inhalation therapy.