Asthma can cause permanent lung damage if untreated: Docs
Ranchi:
Asthma
is a complex and heterogeneous condition often misunderstood as a simple
breathing disorder
, medical experts said and advised the public to prioritise awareness,
early diagnosis
and access to quality treatment for the disease.
Speaking on the theme 'Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL' on the eve of World Asthma Day, co-founder of a respiratory clinic, Dr Swati Behera Sharan, said, "Asthma is not just a respiratory issue. It is a chronic inflammatory disease and if left undiagnosed or untreated, it may cause permanent
lung damage
.
Inhaled corticosteroids
are life-saving and non-addictive drugs for the treatment of asthma and yet the drug is still underutilised in many regions."
According to the Global Asthma Network (GAN) and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (2022) data, the prevalence of wheezing, a primary asthma symptom, is 3.16% among children aged 6–7 years, 3.63% in the 13–14 age group, and 3.30% in adults. Alarmingly, up to 82% of wheezing cases and 70% of severe asthma patients remain undiagnosed. Globally, asthma affects 334 million people, causing over 345,736 deaths annually or one in every 150 deaths, according to the Global Asthma Report 2024.
In Jharkhand, rural areas report a rate of 382 per lakh population affected by asthma, while urban regions show a higher prevalence of 509 per lakh population.
Dr Debdatta Bandopadhyay, a respiratory and chest disease specialist, said, "Inhalers are highly effective because they deliver medicine directly to the lungs, ensuring faster relief. Unfortunately, many patients either misuse inhalers or avoid them altogether due to social misconceptions.."
Common causes and risk factors include genetics, allergies, environmental pollution, early childhood respiratory infections, workplace irritants and sudden changes in temperature or cold weather.
Dr Tejveer, the associate consultant of respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta Hospital, "Early treatment and controlled management are key. Infections can be particularly dangerous for uncontrolled asthma cases. Regular medication, exercise and yoga play a significant role in improving outcomes."
"Every day, we see patients who've struggled for years without knowing they have asthma. Early intervention is critical," said Dr Nirupam Sharan, the co-director of The Happy Lungs.
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