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"I feel like a fish out of water"

An early recognition of asthma would lead to an early intervention and better control

HEALTH A well-managed medication plan can control Asthma to a great extent PHOTO: BHAGYA PRAKASH

Any idea what is common between Sourav Ganguly, Ian Botham, Amitabh Bachchan and Sharon Stone? It is the disease called asthma. Though all of them are affected by asthma, they lead a normal life and that should be an eye-opener to the people who carry a general perception that it is dreaded disease.

Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), an US based organisation sponsored by World Health Organisation has selected May 2 to celebrate the World Asthma Day and every year they select a theme to focus on. This year the theme is `Unmet needs of asthma'. The basic objective of GINA is to launch a global campaign and educate the people about the disease.

"Despite the fact that asthma is widespread and according to WHO an estimated 30 million people are living with asthma worldwide, the public awareness about common asthma triggers and ways to manage the disease remains limited," says Rajni Mukherjee, a senior consultant paediatrician.

Asthma symptoms

Asthma is the disease of the airways. Giving a simple definition Dr. Rajni says, "When we breathe in, the air enters through the nose and mouth and goes through tubes called airways. A person affected with asthma will undergo certain changes in the airways that would block the flow of air, making breathing very hard."

When it comes to symptoms the common ones are:

* Recurrent wheezing

* Recurrent irritated cough

* Recurrent breathlessness

* Tightness of the chest

* Recurrent lower respiratory infections

Triggers

At the first consultation, give the patient your time more than your prescription. DR. RAJINI

The airways become sensitive for people suffering from asthma and they become prone to many things that could trigger an attack. Here are a few of them:

* Dust mites in items like stuffed toys, bed sheets and cushion covers, mattresses and carpets. Precaution: Dust them regularly

* Pets like cats and dogs and other furry pets and birds can cause allergy. Precaution: Keep them at distance and wash your hands after touching them.

* Pests like cockroaches are a major asthma trigger. Cockroach droppings especially on humid and moist areas can trigger an attack immediately. Precaution: Keep counters, sinks and floor clean. Store food in air-tight containers.

* Environmental irritants like paints, smoke, pollen from plants and flowers and cold weather can trigger an attack. Precaution: Stay away from such things or take adequate protection.

* Certain food and medicines that cause allergy like colouring agents, sodium metabisulphate and drugs like atenolol and aspirin can trigger.

* Exercise and sudden emotional outburst like laughing or crying also can trigger an attack.

Treatment

Scientists world over are of the opinion that asthma can be controlled but cannot be cured fully. "But an early recognition would lead to an early intervention and better control. Over the years extensive research has led to the development of good drugs in the form of oral tablets and inhalers and one can lead a normal life with planned medication. But more important is to understand the patients mind. It is really sad when children come to me and say, I feel like fish out of water, " points out Rajni.

SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE

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