Kolkata, 03 may ’2016: When we think of Asthma, apicture ofa sneezing or a wheezing individual who seems to be perpetually illcomesin front. But is this the case every time? Often we try to run away from the harsh reality of the disease and ignore it, making the situation worse. If diagnosed with Asthma, it is not the end of world as projected most of the time. Surprisingly, it can be managed and controlled easily. Thus daily activities with family and friends are not tedious task or challenging with proper treatment. In true sense, one can win against asthma.
This year on World Asthma Day, we celebrate the spirit of those winners – who have won their battle against asthmaand taboos related to it. Awareness about the disease, acceptance towards it and adherence to the right therapy, all this can make one win against asthma. Today, we learn from them how they made it possible through inhalation therapy – a key to win against asthma.
Symptom free is NOT asthma free. This remains one of the biggest challenges to the management of asthma, when there is discontinuation of the medication once the symptoms are subsided. This can be majorly to save the cost of the medication against doctor’s advice. Unfortunately, this may result into aggravation of the disease and chances are that symptoms may flare up anytime - this time with double impact. Always, consult a doctor before taking such steps.
Dr. Subhasis Roy says, “Asthma is a chronic disease which requires long-term treatment. Many patients once they feel better stop taking their inhalers. This can be dangerous since discontinuing treatment means stopping the corrective measure that is keeping them fit and healthy. Patients should consult their doctor on each and everything that stops them from not continuing inhalers rather than taking decisions on their own which can be dangerous.”
Commenting on the current scenario of asthma, Dr.Pawan Agarwal states,” Every day I consult 10 -15 patients that requires consultation not only for disease but for continuing the medicine. It has been found that adherence to asthma medication regime is very poor and tends to falter after few months in both children and adults and the rate of non-adherence has been estimated to be around 70%.
Need of an hour is to overcome barriers/ taboos and understand the importance of inhalation therapy and adhere to it. To be a winner against asthma, an effective treatment i.e. inhalation therapy is required. The treatment is available in India at a price as low as Rs.4 to Rs.6 per day which means that a year’s supply of medicine is less than the cost of 1 night’s stay at the hospital.
"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 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." remarks Dr. __Subhasis Roy __
Myths associated with the treatment needs to be busted. Inhaled corticosteroids have been recognized and widely accepted as the mainstay of asthma management. However, due to lack of awareness many people remain reluctant to take the therapy. For many, the word ‘steroid’ conjures up the vision of building up muscles. Most often corticosteroids are confused with anabolic steroids.
To clear apprehension on steroids Dr. Pawan agarwal recommends, "It is important to understand that corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are taken by some athletes to illegally build the muscle mass. Corticosteroids are used in asthma treatment and they do not build muscles or enhance performance. They are hormones that are naturally produced by your body. And when a doctor prescribes you inhaled corticosteroids, he is giving you the same hormone in small quantities to ease your inflamed airways."
Dose counters improves adherence to the therapy. Asthma patient adherence is a major health and economic challenge. Several studies has reported poor adherence towards asthma medication with measured rates of non-adherence ranging from 30 to 70 percent. Patients appreciate dose counters because of it’s convenience and also improves safety by allowing patients to identify the number of doses of medication left in their inhalers and to avoid running out of medicines when required.
About Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disease which affects large populations worldwide and its number is rising every year. According to the WHO Fact sheet N°206, between 100 and 150 million people around the globe -- roughly the equivalent of the population of the Russian Federation -- suffer from asthma. In India, the soaring numbers have reached 15-20 million and the number will continue to grow until adequate emphasis is laid on the importance of identifying the right medication, which can help manage asthma effectively
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder of the lungs in which there is inflammation (swelling) of the airways in our lungs. Due to this inflammation, the airways are narrowed and the lungs become vulnerable to various allergens which acts as triggers for an asthma attack. Dust, cold, pollen, furry pets, and viruses and air pollutants, and even emotional agitation act as triggers for an asthma attack. When a person comes in contact with a trigger, the inflamed airways are irritated leading to tightening of the muscles and excess mucus production which further constricts the passages, thereby inhibiting normal breathing and this at could even turn fatal.
About Breathe free
Breathe free is a public service initiative by Cipla which with the support of healthcare professionals aims to create awareness on asthma and other respiratory diseases. Breathe free conducts several awareness programs and activities like Camps, Clinics, Patient Screening Yatras, and on-ground activities. It also provides easy-to-understand Patient Education material in several languages and has a unique patient-friendly websitehttp://www.breathefree.com which empowers patients and their care givers.
References:
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, Full Report 2007 National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Available at:www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
2. WHO fact sheet N°206
3. L. COLICE, MD; HARTMUT DERENDORF, PHD; GAIL G. SHAPIRO, MD. Inhaled Corticosteroids: Is There an Ideal Therapy. Medscape
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