Hospitals register 40% rise in Asthma attacks

“There are two challenges for asthmatic people in this season. One is that they spend more time indoors assuming that the pollen is the only factor that triggers an attack; the other is that they then step outdoors in the evening, when the temperature is still low. When you’re indoors, you breathe in asthma triggers such as mold, pet dander, and even dust particles. When you go out, you could have an asthma attack from inhaling the cold air. In addition, a change in food habits (food loaded with preservatives) and emotional distress, especially in children who may be having exams are other triggers,” says Dr. Prashant Bhatt Consultant Internal Medicine Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala

India ranks #4 in the most polluted countries in the world making the air we breathe very unclean. Urban air pollution is rapidly becoming an environmental problem of public concern worldwide.

It influences public health and local/regional weather and climate.

At one time Patiala was one of the cleanest cities in Punjab, in terms of air quality. But that is no longer the case because of the number of vehicles increasing significantly over the last few years.

Another reason for the rise in pollution levels is the proliferation of factories in the industrial area of the city which release greenhouse gases.

According to Dr. Prashant, “The probability of new asthmatic cases arising in this season is 15-20%. If a patient has already been diagnosed, chances of him/her having an attack are very high—upto 40%.

Therefore, it is very important to check in with a doctor even if your breathing is slightly impacted or you feel a constriction in the chest.

Strictly following doctor’s advice also reduces the risk to patients.

People need to be open to inhalation therapies.

Many patients are skeptical about this treatment method.

They consider it a social stigma and fear dependency.

Patients need to be educated on the fact that it is the safest method of treatment that reaches the lungs directly. It has no side effects and can be used from patients ranging from 1 year old to 80 years old.”

Apart from this, one needs to be aware of their triggers causing asthma attacks. Check with your doctor how you can adhere to a method of elimination of potential triggers, to find the ones that are causing you most trouble. Typically during this season, it is the combination of pollen and pollution. Very often frequent coughs are ignored and people are not diagnosed in time thus missing out on proper treatment that can result in a full-blown asthma attack. The Global Asthma Network reports that, “The burden of asthma, measured by disability and premature death, is greatest in children approaching adolescence (ages 10-14) and the elderly (ages 75-79).”