PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 6: Long-term exposure to smoke, be it outdoor (from vehicle exhaust/ industrial) or indoor (biomass fuel exposure) can aggravate asthma symptoms, said Dr Jagdish Lohia, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Brahmananda Narayana Hospital, Jamshedpur.
The senior doctor shared his views on World Asthma Day today.
He said that exposure to smoke, urbanization and industrialization are key factors for asthma exacerbation.
People at Risk
* Having blood relative with asthma
*Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or hay fever.
*Being overweight
*Being a smoker
The most common Indoor allergens are house dust mite, cockroaches, dust particles and pollen grains, according to an international study that collected data over five years, covering 63,000 asthmatics.
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Symptoms of Asthma
*Dry Cough
* Shortness of breath
* Chest tightness
* Wheezing
Triggers
* Airborne allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, mold spores, pet dander.
* Respiratory infections such as common cold (Viral)
* Cold air
* Air pollutants
* Certain medications (NSAIDS)
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Asthma education and action plans vital for managing the condition
Asthma can be confused with other conditions. For instance, health conditions which may mimic asthma include sinusitis, respiratory viral infections, congestive heart failure, airway obstruction, vocal cord dysfunction.
While most people struggle with keeping an attack at bay, experts point out the need to have an asthma action plan that the family can rely upon.
In fact, the theme for this year’s asthma day is ‘Asthma Education Empowers.’
“If you have asthma, you should know what you can do to control your asthma and what to do if you have an asthma exacerbation. First, you need to identify your asthma triggers with the help of your doctor and then make an ‘asthma action plan’. This involves removing or reducing exposure to asthma triggers, knowing your asthma warning signs, not missing medicines, taking your inhalers regularly and using it with correct technique,” explained Dr Lohia.
