The Childhood Asthma Experience

For many families, the journey with asthma begins in childhood.Consider Mohit, diagnosed at age 7. His symptoms included recurrent coughs,colds,chest tightness,and wheezing,leading to frequent doctor visits. His parents grew weary of the constant cycle of nebulizers,syrups,and antibiotics.

Dr. Sushma Kirtani, a senior pediatrician, reviewed Mohit’s records and suspected asthma, noting a family history of urticaria. I put him on inhalers and explained to his parents how to use them. After 10 days, he showed improvement. His cough and chest tightness reduced, and there was no more running to hospitals. After a year, his treatment was stopped with specific advice on what to do in the event of any wheezing attack in the future, Dr. Kirtani said, highlighting the effectiveness of proper diagnosis and treatment.

Asthma Triggers: Identifying and Avoiding Them

Asthma triggers vary from person to person. While a strong family history is a major factor, other triggers can include:

• Pollens
• Dust
• Smoke
• Dhup and agarbattis (incense sticks)
• Mites
• Dry grass
• Dusting old books and furniture
• Pets and their fur
• animal dander

Asthma Cases: A Look at Hospicio South goa District Hospital

The Hospicio South Goa District Hospital sees eight to 10 new asthmatic patients each month, encompassing both adults and children, with a majority from urban areas. The hospital also manages approximately 100 follow-up asthma cases, which can increase to 150 during the winter and monsoon seasons due to heightened viral infections.

Adult-Onset Asthma and the Importance of Inhalers

While many asthmatics experience symptoms from childhood, adult-onset asthma can occur due to sensitization to allergens in the workplace or environment.Doctors emphasize that inhaler treatment is the cornerstone of asthma management.

Senior chest physician at South Goa District hospital Dr. Govind Desai said, It is usually people who are non-compliant with inhalers who come back with bad exacerbation. He added that the cornerstone of asthma treatment is to continue with inhalers regularly.

Dr. Desai also clarified common misconceptions about inhalers: Most inhalers contain corticosteroids but very, very small amounts of it, which when inhaled only act on the respiratory tract without entering the bloodstream and thus don’t have any major side effects.

Overcoming Parental Hesitancy

Dr. Kirtani noted that parents are often hesitant about using inhalers for their children, despite them being the most effective treatment. Some deny the diagnosis and feel the child will be branded asthmatic for life.Others themselves reduce their children’s doses as they feel it is too strong and fear their child will be addicted to drugs, which is a myth, she explained.

Proper Inhaler Technique and Long-term Management

Practicing pulmonologist Dr. Durga Lawande, former head of pulmonary medicine at GMC, stresses the importance of proper inhaler technique. If not used correctly, the patient won’t get the desired effect of the medication, she said.

Dr. Lawande also highlighted the need for consistent treatment, even when symptoms improve. If we find the person improving, we gradually reduce the dose and bring it down to a minimal maintenance dose to control inflammation in the airways at all times, she explained.

Seasonal Precautions

Dr. Lawande advises asthmatic individuals to avoid venturing outside during early mornings or late evenings in the winter due to high humidity and cold air, which can worsen symptoms. One can wear a mask or warm clothes to avoid direct exposure, she suggested.