Dr Romi Singla
Is a nagging cough or sneezing bothering you for some time? Have you noticed a recent worsening of your symptoms that include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc.? You could be suffering from bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases around the world affecting 1-18 per cent of population all over. Around 74 million in India are suffering from this disease and the number is only rising. Most of the asthmatics are between five and 25 years, with nearly half of the patients being affected before 16 years, although late onset in adulthood is known to occur, especially in women.
What causes asthma?
It is a disease caused by interplay of genetics and environment, which means that one can inherit it from parents.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the air passage making the airways narrow temporarily, resulting in difficulty in breathing.
Wheat husk during harvest months, stubble burning, Congress grass, pollen and weeds are some of the most common allergens behind the increase in the number of asthma attacks during the harvesting season in April-May. Stress, viral infections, vitamin D deficiency, extreme exercise and smoke are also known to make asthmatic attacks worse.
