Lesser Known Facts about Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways and causes severe obstructions while breathing. You, in most probability, have already heard about the disease. The visual, of an asthmatic suddenly struggling to breathe, followed by administration of medicine through an inhaler, is something with which almost everyone is familiar. However, there are some facts about Asthma which is not very commonly known. We have listed a few below.

Who is at Risk?

The Asthma high risk group includes people with respiratory infections, allergies, eczema and those whose parents are asthmatic. Symptoms of hampered breathing should be strongly monitored, especially in children, as they are the highest risk group. The 2 primary ways, through which Asthma infects, are genetic and environmental. The modern lifestyles have added one more type known as Occupational Asthma.

Cleaner Environments Increasing Allergies

This may come as a surprise for many. Exposure to mud and dust in early periods of childhood may actually help against allergies. With cleaner surroundings, children miss this opportunity and develop intolerance towards allergy causing agents. This is one of the reasons for the increase in the occurrence of Asthma in modern times.

Quitting Smoking Helps

Giving up on the tobacco smoke reduces the chances of developing Asthma. For somebody already infected with Asthma, smoking is an absolute no-no.

Consult a Good Asthma Specialist

Correct diagnosis of Asthma, like most Respiratory Diseases, is not an easy task. The symptoms are almost similar in most cases. Apart from being confused with common cough and cold, we have also seen cases where inexperienced or incompetent doctors have wrongly diagnosed Asthma as “reactive airway disease”. Ensure that the doctor you are consulting is experienced in the field of Pulmonology.

Even as Asthma causes around 250,000 deaths every year, there are also people who have lived a normal life with Asthma. Dr. Himanshu Garg, a Top Asthma Specialist in Delhi & Gurgaon maintains that along with the prescribed medicines, it is also important for the asthmatic to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Everything You Need to Know About Pulmonology

Pulmonology is that branch of medical science which deals with the diseases of the respiratory tract. A Pulmonologist, therefore, treats the ailments of the heart and lungs. These ailments include, but are not restricted to, Pneumonia, Asthma, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis (COPD), Allergic Diseases, Complicated Chest Infections, Sarcoidosis, and other Vasculitic Illnesses involving the Lungs. Since Pulmonology involves 2 of the most vital organs of the heart, a Pulmonologist also has to be an expert in critical care medicine or intensive care medicine, as the patient may also need life support in extreme cases.

The diagnosis of a heart or lung problem usually begins with a review of the most common causes of such problems. These include hereditary diseases, toxins like tobacco smoke, air pollutants, asbestos, and infections from birds, etc. A physical diagnosis then follows, where the Pulmonologist examines for unusual sound in breathing, respiratory rate, etc. Depending on the severity of the situation, a complete cardiac inspection is also performed most of the times.

The treatment, in most of the cases, start with medication, usually via inhalation or oral administration. However, surgical procedures may also be required and in extreme cases, the patient is also placed in external life support systems as mentioned above. A change in the lifestyle of the patient is also of equal importance. Regular exercises, a stress-free life, and proper sleep play a vital role in ensuring that a relapse does not occur.

As can be clearly seen, visiting a Pulmonologist, is trusting him with your life. Make sure that you visit a well-known, experienced, and qualified Pulmonologist if the requirement arises. You will find one of the Best Pulmonologistsin Delhi and Gurgaon in Dr Himanshu Garg,Respiratory and Sleep Cure Solutions.