What’s the one health issue that is gaining momentum in India with increasing air pollution? Yes, you guessed it correctly. It’s bronchial asthma or asthma, as you may know. 3% of India’s population, which corresponds to approx. 30 million people in India are affected by asthma. These figures comprise 4-20% of children and 2.4% of adults, as per reports.

1. Know about
Bronchial Asthma
and Its Symptoms

2. What’s the one health issue
that is gaining momentum in
India with increasing air
pollution?
Yes, you guessed it correctly.

3. It’s bronchial asthma or asthma, as you
may know.
3% of India’s population, which
corresponds to approx. 30 million
people in India are affected by asthma.
These figures comprise 4-20% of
children and 2.4% of adults, as per
reports.

4. The increasing number of asthma
cases is a matter of grave concern.
You must understand what are the
symptoms of bronchial asthma.

5. What is Bronchial
Asthma? What are
its symptoms?

6. Asthma is a chronic condition that
hampers the breathing process.
When asthma becomes intense and
affects the bronchial tubes, it results
in inflamed channels. The swollen
airways make it difficult to breathe.

7. The mast cells present in the air
chamber activate and secrete
histamine. Histamine is a mucus-
inducing substance and causes nasal
stuffiness.

8. Triggers of
Bronchial Asthma

9. Now that we know what bronchial
asthma is, Gokuldas lists the
commonly triggered bronchial
asthma.
Allergens: Inhaled substances that
cause an allergic reaction, such as
dust mites, pet dander, pollen,
mould, and cockroaches.

10. Irritants: Substances that irritate the
airways, such as smoke (including
secondhand smoke), air pollution,
strong chemicals, and perfumes.
Respiratory infections: The common
cold, the flu, and other respiratory
infections can trigger asthma attacks.

11. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA): Physical
activity can trigger asthma symptoms in
some people.
Certain medications: Aspirin, ibuprofen,
and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger asthma attacks
in some people.

12. Stress: Emotional stress can worsen
asthma symptoms.
Cold air: Breathing in cold, dry air can
trigger asthma symptoms.
Reflux (heartburn): Stomach acid that
backs up into the esophagus can irritate
the airways and trigger asthma
symptoms.

13. Symptoms of
Bronchial Asthma

14. Here are the common symptoms of
bronchial asthma:
Shortness of breath: This is often
described as a feeling of not being able
to get enough air into your lungs. It may
come and go and can be worse at night or
early morning.

15. Wheezing: This is a whistling sound made
when you breathe, caused by air rushing
through narrowed airways.
Chest tightness: This feels like a band is
squeezing around your chest, making it
difficult to breathe.
Coughing: You may have a dry cough that
worsens at night or in the early morning, or a
cough that produces mucus (phlegm).
These symptoms can vary from

16. Wheezing: This is a whistling sound made
when you breathe, caused by air rushing
through narrowed airways.
Chest tightness: This feels like a band is
squeezing around your chest, making it
difficult to breathe.
Coughing: You may have a dry cough that
worsens at night or in the early morning, or a
cough that produces mucus (phlegm).
These symptoms can vary from person to
person and may be mild or severe. They may
occur all the time, or only occasionally.

17. If you are experiencing any of these
symptoms, it is important to see a doctor
to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help
control asthma symptoms and improve
your quality of life.

18. If you are experiencing any of these
symptoms, it is important to see a doctor
to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help
control asthma symptoms and improve
your quality of life.

19. Diagnosing
Bronchial Asthma

20. Medical history and lung function tests
are two-way approaches that help to
understand the root cause of your
condition.
Medical History
The doctor will discuss your symptoms in
detail, including:
Frequency and severity of wheezing,
shortness of breath, chest tightness, and
cough, particularly at night or early
morning

21. Triggers that worsen your symptoms,
such as allergens, exercise, cold air, or
respiratory infections
Family history of asthma or allergies
Your response to past medications, if any

22. Lung Function Tests
These tests help measure airflow in your
lungs:
Spirometry: You blow into a mouthpiece
connected to a machine (spirometer) that
measures how much air you can exhale
and how quickly you can exhale it.

23. Peak flow meter test: You blow into a
small handheld device (peak flow meter)
to measure your peak expiratory flow
(PEF), which is the maximum speed at
which you can breathe out. PEF readings
are typically lower during asthma flare-
ups. You may be asked to take PEF
readings at home over some time to
monitor your asthma control.

24. Other Tests
In some cases, your doctor may
recommend other tests to rule out other
conditions with similar symptoms, such
as:
• Chest X-ray
• Allergy skin testing

25. Treating
Bronchial Asthma

26. The best treatment for bronchial asthma
is understanding what are the
symptoms. Maintain a check of the
medications and keep an account of
asthma breakouts.

27. Try to be mindful of your triggers. Keep
track to avoid or manage the same.
When triggers go out of hand, keep
medications at hand. Consult with your
doctor for medication scheduling. These
daily prescriptions are necessary to
keep the inflammation and swollen
airways under control.

28. In a nutshell, Gokuldas Hospital is
committed to helping patients with
bronchial asthma. They understand the
increasing prevalence of asthma in India
and the various triggers that can cause an
attack. By providing comprehensive
diagnosis and treatment plans, Gokuldas
Hospital empowers patients to manage
their asthma and live a better quality of
life.

29. Thank You
www.gokuldashospital.com