This World Asthma Day (May 5), the spotlight was on the growing instances of asthma cases in the age group of 35-40. The underlying issue that was emphasised was that people ignore the symptoms of this illness.
“The basic problem today is the identification of asthma. The diversity of this disease is a major threat. It is therefore important to diagnose asthma at an early stage as it helps preserve the condition of the lungs,” said Prasanna Kumar Thomas, consultant physician and chest specialist, Jeevanandam Clinic.
In the case of adults, unlike in children, asthma is mostly caused by environmental factors leading to inflammation of the airways in their lungs. However, non-adherence to prescribed medication is a common practice in patients, which is estimated be around 70 percent, and this has a huge impact on outcomes.
A. Balachandran, paediatrician and pulmonologist, Mehta Children’s Hospital, feels that the most effective treatment for asthma is inhalation therapy, priced in India at Rs. 4-6 per day. “A year’s supply of medication through this therapy is less than the cost of one night’s stay in hospital,” he said, urging patients to stick to the medication and course prescribed by their physicians .
