Get prompt check-ups to understand asthma symptoms this World Asthma Day: AOH

Mumbai, 2 May 2017: To mark the World Asthma Day, Association of Hospitals (AOH) continues with their commitment to improve awareness and management of asthma within the community. The need of the hour for patient is to gain timely and authentic information on correct symptoms, treatment and care tips. AOH earnestly appeals to patients with breathing problems to get prompt check-ups to ensure a healthy quality of life and understand asthma symptoms, this World Asthma Day.

Asthma is a chronic disease which affects large population worldwide and its number is rising every year. According to the WHO between 100 and 150 million people around suffer from asthma. In India, the soaring numbers have reached 15-20 million and the number will continue to grow until adequate emphasis is laid on the importance of identifying the right medication, which can help manage asthma effectively.

Dr. PM Bhujang, President, Association of Hospital while suggesting measures said, “In today’s time air pollution proves to be one of the most prominent reasons for the increase in the number of asthmatic patients. We should remember that asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure, but can be controlled well through treatment. This World Asthma Day, we urge people who are asthmatic or feel breathless should get the lung function test and allergy test, as a first step to understand asthma symptoms.”

“There are several therapies and forms of treatment for asthma available. The patients should consult their doctors immediately to get the best possible treatment” he further added.

A nation-wide survey called ‘Breath Blue 15’ concluded that the lung health of children in metropolitan cities of India is poor. In all, 2000 children in the age group of 8-14 years were screened for lung health status. 40% of children in Delhi were found to have ratings of ‘bad’ to ‘poor’ lung health, while Bengaluru followed closely with 36%, Kolkata with 35%, and Mumbai with 27%.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder of the lungs in which there is inflammation (swelling) of the airways in our lungs. Due to this inflammation, the airways are narrowed and the lungs become vulnerable to various allergens which act as triggers for an asthma attack. Dust, cold, pollen, furry pets, and viruses and air pollutants, and even emotional agitation act as triggers for an asthma attack. The usual manifestations of asthma are repeated episodes of chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and cough. In children, asthma often manifests through a single symptom like cough which is more severe at night or early in the morning and remains persistent despite intake of various cough syrups and medications.