Learn about asthma- Bronchial asthma is a common respiratory illness. It is estimated that more than 300 million people are suffering from asthma world over. In India more than 20 million people are suffering from asthma. Asthma is characterized by repeated episode of breathlessness, cough and wheezing episode and often associated with allergy to various substance such as dust, smoke, strong smell, pollen etc. Asthma can affect all age group, from young kids to elderly. Treatment of asthma is simple, easy and cheap. Unfortunately, we have lots of misconception regarding asthma and its treatment, which leads to the poor treatment, unnecessary suffering and poor outcome. This article intend to provide basic information about asthma. What is asthma- Asthma is an chronic inflammatory disorder of airways. Inflammation of asthma is unique and is highly responsive to available treatment. What are the symptom of asthma- Asthma is characterized by repeated episode of cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing episode. Large majority of asthmatic also have symptom suggestive of allergy. Many patients particularly children may present with prolonged cough only which is poorly responsive to usual treatment. These symptoms wax and wane spontaneously or with treatment. How to confirm asthma- Meet your chest physician (Pulmonologist). Asthma is usually suspected with history and clinical examination and confirmed with spirometry, which documents variable airflow limitation. What is treatment of asthma- Treatment of asthma is simple and easy. Once diagnosed with asthma, doctors usually prescribe inhalers. Most commonly prescribed inhalers have two medications. One component provides rapid symptomatic relief while other controls the inflammation in airways. These inhalers are very effective in controlling asthma and given for all severity of asthma. Whether inhalers are necessary and safe- Common people have lots of misconception and poorly informed about inhalers. Inhalers are advance drug delivery devices. Compare to oral medications, inhalers are very safe and offer many advantage. Since drugs are directly delivered to lungs, doses are medication required are much less and onset of action very fast. Side effects of inhaled medication are negligible. Compare to inhalers oral asthma medication have significant adverse effect. As per current recommendations inhalers are 1st line therapy for all severity of asthma. My inhaler does not work? Most common reason inhalers fail to work is, patient does know how to take inhalers properly or doctor has failed to explain inhaler use to patients. Please meet your doctor and ask for demonstration regarding inhaler use. Doctors who are prescribing inhalers, must make sure that inhalers device is optimal for given patient. Another common reason is that patients don’t take medication regularly and stop taking it as soon as they have slight symptomatic improvement. Whether asthma can be cured- Asthma can not be cured. Asthma can be controlled and majority of asthmatic can live essentially normal life, if they take their medication regularly. Once asthma is under control, your doctor would try to reduce your medication. In a good number of patients, medication may be stopped if they are asymptomatic for prolonged period. What precaution asthmatic patients should take? Take your medication regularly. Avoid anything you might be allergic to, such as smoke, dust, chilled water and drinks, extreme climate. Final message- Asthmatic patients can live normal life like anyone else. Take your medications and inhalers regularly. If an asthmatic (Parupalli Kashyap) can become badminton champion of India, others sure can live a normal life. DR SAKET SHARMA MD, DM (PULMONARY & CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE) JAIRAM RESPIRATORY HEALTH MISSION