Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, making it hard to breathe. It affects people of all ages and can vary from mild to severe.
🧬 What Happens in Asthma?
In asthma, the airways become:
Inflamed (swollen and sensitive)
Narrowed due to muscle tightening around the airways
Filled with extra mucus, making breathing difficult
This causes asthma attacks, where symptoms worsen suddenly or gradually.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of Asthma:
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Coughing (especially at night or early morning)
Wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
Fatigue due to interrupted sleep or poor oxygen supply
Impulse Oscillometry Machine
This machine is used in the diagnosis of cough cold fever causing repeated breathlessness and bronchial asthma. It gives diagnosis in only 30 minutes.
It is easy to use for children. Patient does not have to do any major efforts.
🔁 Asthma Triggers:
Allergens – dust, pollen, mold, pet dander
Respiratory infections – colds, flu
Weather changes – cold air or sudden temperature shifts
Exercise – especially in cold air
Smoke or air pollution
Strong smells – perfumes, chemical fumes
Stress and anxiety
🧪 Diagnosis of Asthma:
Doctors may use:
Lung function tests (Spirometry, Peak flow)
Allergy tests
Chest X-rays
Impulse Oscillometry – advanced method to assess airway resistance (especially in children)
💊 Treatment & Management of Asthma:
Though asthma has no cure, it is highly manageable with the right approach:
1. Medications
Reliever (rescue) inhalers – like Salbutamol (used during attacks)
Controller (preventive) inhalers – like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Oral medications – for allergies or severe cases
2. Lifestyle Changes
Avoid known triggers
Use air purifiers and dust-free environments
Regular breathing exercises (like yoga or pranayama)
Keep rescue inhalers accessible
3. Asthma Action Plan
A personalized care plan created with a doctor to manage flare-ups, monitor symptoms, and adjust medication.
👩⚕️ Special Care in Children:
Pediatric asthma requires special attention, as symptoms may affect school performance, sleep, and development. Tools like Impulse Oscillometry help diagnose asthma early in kids.
❗ Complications if Untreated:
Frequent hospitalizations
Permanent airway damage
Poor quality of life
Life-threatening asthma attacks
💬 Doctor’s Advice:
“Asthma is not a weakness—it’s a condition that can be controlled. With proper care and lifestyle, you can breathe freely and live fully.”
— Dr. Suhas Kulkarni, Pulmonologist, [Meera Nursing Home]