Asthma is a condition in humans where the air passageway to the lungs becomes narrow due to inflammation, tightening of muscle around the air passageway resulting in respiratory problems.

Common Symptoms of Asthma

  • Cold & Cough.
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty in breathing.
  • Tightness in the chest.
  • Mucous accumulation in the chest.

As per WHO, Asthma affected 262 million people in 2019 and caused 461000 deaths. As per The Global Asthma Report 2018, Asthma kills approximately 1000 people every day. In India, 6% of children and 2% of adults amongst the whole population of the country are affected; this number can be more, as many cases are not reported or go undetected primarily because this ailment is still considered as a stigma and use of inhalers is perceived as habit formation. However, a constant awareness education programme has increased the acceptance of Asthma and inhalers.

There are various triggers of Asthma in individuals; if these triggers are avoided, the frequency of asthma attacks is controlled.

Triggers of Asthma

●      Outdoor Air Pollution.

●      Dust Mites.

●      Pests ( cockroaches, mice etc.).

●      Pets ( Flurry pets like dogs or cats).

●      Mould ( wet, damp places).

●      Tobacco Smoking or Passive smoking.

●      Cleaners & Disinfectants.

●      RSV (RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS), influenza and cold.

How to avoid triggers?

  1. The best way to avoid an Asthma attack is to stay away from the above triggers. But, in your regular life, avoiding dust mites, the increase in air pollution, passive smoking, pests, etc., has become difficult so a structured medication plan by your doctor including anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling and mucus production and bronchodilators (medicines to relax the muscle around the airways). Thus, resulting in ease of breathing and free movement of mucus will work the best.

Muscle relaxant tablets Cipla are available at pharmacy stores online and offline and should be taken with the advice of a doctor only.  Healthskool Pharmacy is one such chain of neighbourhood pharmacies in India that offers consultation to diagnosis and nursing care and provides medicines and medical equipment products online and offline.

  1. Since Asthma is an ailment of the air passageway in a human body, taking care of the air you breathe is imperative. An asthma patient should always use a mask to cover their nose and mouth.

The most common way to take asthma medicines is through a metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer. The basic difference between the two is the ease of usage. The nebulizer is easy to use, it is battery operated, and the liquid medicine forms mist and directly goes to your lungs, while an inhaler can be difficult to use and, if not used appropriately, will not be effective. There are a variety of brands of inhalers and nebulizers online stores as well as offline stores.

A person with Asthma can lead a normal life and also participate in sports. Your medical practitioner will help you by understanding your triggers and suggesting an appropriate medical plan that you need to follow.