The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : `Asthma can be managed'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 02, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

`Asthma can be managed'

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, MAY 1. Thirty per cent of the world's population suffers from asthma or related breathing disorders. In India, the figure hovers around 18 per cent, according to World Health Organisation statistics.

Every year, the first Tuesday in May is observed as World Asthma Awareness Day when campaigns are held to create awareness among people of the disorder, and managing the condition.

Asthma is a lifestyle disease and can be managed if people follow the instructions of doctors. Yet, most people still think that asthma is a condition where a person needs to struggle for breath. Asthmatics are put on antibiotics and steroids. However, many are afraid to use steroid inhalers because of the side effects, says asthma specialist R. Sridharan.

A lack of awareness is one reason why myths abound, say allergy specialists. General practitioners can do easy pulmonary function tests to check the respiratory status of a person. The tests help detect the obstruction in the lungs. The instruments used are inexpensive but not all doctors even in cities are aware of them, specialists note.

A screening tool — called peak flow meter — is used to check the velocity of airflow and the volume of air expelled by a person. A typical adult in his 30s, who is 5 feet 6 inches tall, should be able to blow 600 litres of air in one minute. The volume of air, however, varies with age, sex and height. Bronchial spasms will reduce the pressure of air coming out of the lungs.

``Asthma is like blood pressure or diabetes. If a patient can afford it, then we advise him or her to buy the instrument,'' says R. Narasimhan, chairman, Respiratory Research Foundation of India.

`Lead a normal life'

Children suffering from asthma can do what all other persons their age do: swim, play and even eat ice creams. Doctors of Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, at a public forum on childhood asthma today, informed participants that children with asthma could lead normal lives.

``With the right medication, it is possible for children with asthma to do all the things that children their age do. Asthma might not be curable but it can be kept under control,'' said S. Balasubramanian, senior consultant paediatrician.

More than 150 persons, including parents of children suffering from the disease, participated in an interactive session with the doctors.

``Steroids unfortunately have become associated with only the performance-enhancing drugs taken by athletes. The steroids that might be administered for asthma or other diseases will not have undesirable effects,'' said the doctors.

Film actress Sukanya was a special guest for the programme.

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