Live free with inhalation therapy

Asthma Awareness Month

The first World Asthma Day (observed on the first Tuesday of May every year) was celebrated 17 years ago with an agenda to burst the myths around asthma and to educate people about correct medication. But even after a decade-and-a-half, patients are still not receptive about the disease and the need for right medication from the beginning.

Early diagnosis of asthma and the right treatment plays a crucial role in patient condition. Patients of asthma who are not under the right treatment run the continuous risk of asthma attacks which often requires admission to hospital and can be life-threatening.

Dr Pradyut Wagray, consultant pulmonologist, Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, says, “Asthma is a chronic disease which requires long-term treatment. Many patients once they feel better stop taking their inhalers. This can be dangerous since discontinuing treatment means stopping the very thing that is keeping them fit and healthy. Patients should consult their doctor on each and everything that stops them from not continuing inhalers rather than taking decision which can be dangerous.”

Commenting on the current scenario of asthma, Dr Wagray says, “Every day I consult 7-10 patients that requires consultation not only for disease but for continuing the medicine.” It has been found that adherence to asthma medication regime is very poor and tends to falter after few months in both children and adults and the rate of non-adherence has been estimated to be around 70 per cent.

Dr Jayachandra A, consultant pulmonologist, AKJ Chest Clinic, Himayatnagar, says, “There are many reasons why patients stop inhalers. These include unnecessary concerns about the cost of medication, side effects, myths about inhaler devices and social stigmas. There are also several psychological barriers which lead to inhibitions such as dissatisfaction with healthcare professionals, inappropriate expectations, anger about one’s condition, underestimation of the severity of the condition and casual attitude towards health.”

The most effective asthma treatment – inhalation therapy- is available in India at a price as low as Rs 4 to Rs 6 per day. Dr Jayachandra adds, “It is important to diagnose asthma at an early stage as it helps preserve the condition of the lungs. Asthma usually manifests itself through symptoms like coughing, tightness in the chest, and wheezing but it is important to consider asthma for diagnosis, particularly if these symptoms are recurrent.

Simple tools like peak flow meter are available to diagnose and monitor asthma for everyone. Using inhalation therapy as a recommended treatment, asthma can be fully controlled and people with asthma can lead a complete active life.” Commencement of inhalation therapy at the earliest helps in controlling the disease, prevention from attacks, preserves the condition of lungs and also improves the overall quality of life.

Also inhalation therapy is quicker because the drug is delivered directly to the place where it is required, i.e., the lungs. The side effects are low and the dosage required is also low comparative to oral medication. They are safe for person of all age groups.