RG
1
Moderate severity
· General Physician
Asthma
Wheezy reversible airway narrowing
Inflamed airways spasm in response to triggers, causing wheeze, cough and breathlessness. With the right inhalers, most asthma is controlled.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Over 35 million Indians
- Typical age
- Often childhood onset
- Outlook
- Manageable
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a practising general physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Dust mites, pollen, mold
- Tobacco smoke, pollution
- Cold air, exercise
- Viral chest infection
- Stress, NSAIDs
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Wheeze on exhale
- Tight chest
- Cough worse at night
- Breathlessness with exertion
- Inability to speak in full sentences (severe)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Daily inhaled steroid
- SABA reliever (salbutamol)
- Combination ICS-formoterol
- Spacer with every puff
- Severe: biologic injection
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Annual flu vaccine
- Don't smoke, avoid smoke
- Air purifier in bedroom
- Treat allergic rhinitis
Do’s
- Use a peak flow meter
- Carry reliever everywhere
- Rinse mouth after steroid inhaler
- Have an asthma action plan
Don’ts
- Use reliever only — needs preventer
- Smoke shisha or vape
- Ignore worsening night symptoms
- Skip flu shot
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.