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With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in India, asthma is emerging as a major health threat, affecting people across all age groups, especially children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to this chronic breathing problem. An estimated 34.3 million people in India suffer from asthma, accounting for 13.09% of the global burden. Alarmingly, India's asthma-related mortality rate is nearly three times higher than the global average, largely due to underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
When you step out of your home for your daily routine, you may not give it much thought, but the air outside, filled with smoke, dust, and vehicle exhaust, could be triggering inflammation deep within your lungs. The truth is, urban development in India is often happening at the expense of clean air, turning asthma from a personal medical issue into a larger environmental and public health crisis.
In this blog, we’ll help you better understand asthma — its causes, symptoms, practical strategies for managing it, and various breathing problems that account for the rise in cases in urban India.
Synopsis
Understanding Asthma
Asthma is an ongoing condition that affects the airways of your lungs by causing inflammation and narrowing, making it harder to breathe. Asthma can be mild for some, while for others, asthma attacks can become life-threatening if not managed on time.
Recognising Asthma Symptoms
There can be differences in symptoms among individuals, especially during or between asthma attacks. But the typical breathing problem symptoms in asthma are wheezing, chest tightness, coughing (especially at night or early in the morning) and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms are fatigue, inability to exercise properly due to breathing issues, rapid breathing, and disturbed sleep.
Triggers of Asthma
Common breathing problems in asthma can be linked to environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, respiratory infections, and even genetic predisposition. Mostly, there is no single cause; rather, multiple factors can trigger an asthma attack. These include:
- Air pollution and irritants, including tobacco smoke, vehicle or factory emissions, wildfire smoke, and dust
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Exercise and other physical activities
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Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
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Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, pollen, and pests – cockroach waste
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Occupational exposure, such as cleaning products, chemicals, dust from wood, etc.
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Strong chemicals or smells
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Certain medications
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Stress, cold air, and GERD can be other uncommon triggers
Treating and Managing Asthma
Asthma cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled and flare-ups prevented with the right treatment and by following an asthma action plan. The most common treatment approaches followed are:
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Bronchodilators: These are quick-relief inhalers that open the swollen airways quickly, alleviating breathing problems. Short-acting beta agonists, anticholinergic agents, and oral and intravenous corticosteroids are used to treat short-term asthma symptoms.
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Long-term Medications: Certain long-term asthma control medications are given to control it on a day-to-day basis. These include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, and theophylline.
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Biological Therapy: Biological medications are prescribed to patients with severe asthma.
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Bronchial Thermoplasty: This therapy is applied if inhalers and other drugs are not helping improve serious asthma. While undergoing this therapy, the interior of the airways is heated using an electrode, which relaxes the smoothness of airway muscles and facilitates breathing.
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Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy: These are particularly helpful in allergic asthma, which reduces the immune system's reaction to the allergens.
Tips to manage asthma
To manage asthma effectively, follow these tips:
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Understand your triggers and try to avoid them
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Always use inhalers correctly by learning the proper technique.
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The asthma action plan is crucial, which your doctor will design based on your condition, triggers and symptoms flare-ups. Follow it diligently.
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Make your home asthma-friendly
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Try to stay physically active
Asthma: A Serious Breathing Problem in Urban India
Asthma is not contagious, but it can be triggered or worsened by various environmental and lifestyle factors, many of which are prevalent in India's urban centres. As per a study, it was found that half of the asthma cases are caused by dust and air pollution, while 25% are caused by seasonal weather changes, cigarette smoke, iced drinks, gases, odours, and chemicals.
Urban India is facing a growing asthma crisis due to the following reasons:
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Air pollution: Most of the metro cities have poor air quality due to vehicular emissions, industrial smoke and construction dust. Even indoor pollutants are higher, which increases breathing problems such as asthma, triggering its attack and making symptoms worse.
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Lifestyle changes: A sedentary lifestyle is common in cities with increased indoor time. They get more exposed to dust mites, air conditioners, tobacco smoke and pet dander.
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Poor planning: The neighbourhood is congested, has poor ventilation, has less greenery, and is exposed to more pollutants and allergens.
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Lack of awareness: Asthma is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Some people even hide it due to stigma, especially among school children and working professionals.
Conclusion
Asthma may not be curable, but it is manageable. In urban India, this means taking personal steps and pushing for cleaner air, better policies, and widespread awareness. Being informed, recognising symptoms on time and seeking guidance can make all the difference. Breathing problems should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Consult the top pulmonologists at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, for precise evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Asthma may not be curable, but it is manageable. In urban India, this means taking personal steps and pushing for cleaner air, better policies, and widespread awareness. Being informed, recognising symptoms on time and seeking guidance can make all the difference. Breathing problems should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Consult the top pulmonologists at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, for precise evaluation and appropriate treatment.
FAQ's
To diagnose asthma, our pulmonologist understands your complete medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing, along with conducting a physical examination. Lung function tests such as spirometry and peak flow monitoring will be conducted to measure airflow. If needed, chest X-rays, CT scans or allergy testing may be performed.
Asthma is a chronic breathing problem that can be managed with treatment but cannot be cured. Although some children may outgrow this as they grow older.
Yes, with proper treatment, asthmatic patients can live normal lives. Just make sure to follow the doctor’s advice on medications to keep the symptoms under control.
If you experience the following signs, call emergency services or visit the hospital immediately.
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Severe breathlessness
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Difficulty in speaking
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Lips or face getting blue
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Inhalers are not offering relief
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Chest discomfort
You can schedule an appointment at the Pulmonology Department of Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/broadway/specialities/pulmonology-respiratory-sleep-medicine/
Contact no: 033 6907 0001
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