As the world gears up to observe Asthma Day on Tuesday, doctors have advised asthmatic patients to strictly adhere to inhaler therapy and warned that it’s not only air pollution, but indoor combustion sources like mosquito repellents or coils, incense sticks and fossil fuels besides room fresheners and perfumes too can trigger the respiratory disorder especially among kids.
The toxic fumes from these products provoke an allergic reaction and start off a cascade of inflammatory events that result in the narrowing of the already hyper-reactive airways resulting in cough and breathing problems. Children are more prone as their lung system is not fully grown, they explained.
Dr Surya Kant, Professor and Head of Department of Pulmonary Medicine at King George Medical University, lucknow suggested that asthmatic patients should use topical repellents or cover windows with nets. He also out-rightly rejected the use of aerosol sprays or room fresheners, ice teas and fast food lest they trigger nose allergies or wheezing.
Quoting a study by Delhi-based Patel Chest Research Institute, he says, burning of dhoop, incense sticks and mosquito coil in the indoor environment emit quiet higher respirable Particulate Matter (PM), which may accumulate on prolonged exposure and lead to respiratory illnesses.
The experts have strongly recommended proper inhalation as the only therapy for such patients, asserting that there is no alternative. “Inhaler has to be taken daily as advised by the doctor. One must remember it is a life-long disorder and hence needs life-long treatment,” said Dr Surya Kant.
Dr Randeep Guleria, Head of Department, Pulmonology and Sleep Disorder, AIIMS agreed, “Inhaled corticosteroid therapy (ICT) is the cornerstone of asthma management. For the effectiveness and safety of any treatment modality, optimal drug delivery is crucial. In case of ICT, the drug reaches the inflamed airways directly in small doses, limiting the potential side effects.”
In comparison, in the case of oral medication, the drug dosage is many times higher than in ICT. This excess dosage then reaches other parts of the body too, where it is not required and increases the systemic side-effects, he added.
Dr MK Sen, Senior Chest Physician at Safdurjung Hospital, Delhi expressed his concern about poor adherence to asthma medication regime due to unwarranted reasons like side effects and myths about inhaler devices and social stigmas.
As per WHO, 350 million people around the world suffer from asthma of which ten per cent are in India. The number is set to rise in view of rapid urbanization, changing life style and poor air-quality.
Dr Jeremiah Chakaya Muhwa from Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and member, International Union Against Tuberculosis and lung Disease (The Union) rued that as the disorder has remained under-diagnosed there is an urgent need to create awareness about it to ensure early treatment.