An open letter to parents of children with asthma
Parents of asthmatic children worry a lot. They worry about the fact that their child has to take medicines everyday. They worry about the side effects of medicines. They worry when the child has symptoms and misses school and they fear acute attacks. It’s not only about a disease, but also about emotions. Actually, they […]
Viral Woes for Asthmatics:
This is the season for viral fevers. Cynics may say : “Which season is NOT ? ” Yes, it is true that viral fevers have become more common now a days. Viruses attack us more easily when our immunity is lowered due to faulty eating habits, overwork, over crowding and stress. Viral respiratory infections are […]
Asthma ands Obesity: What is the link?
Both asthma and obesity are diseases of westernization! Both are increasing at an epidemic proportion. Both are clearly related to the western life-style. That much is clear. But could the two be causally related ? Which means, could obesity be (one of the) causes of asthma? Now, that is an interesting proposition!! The asthma-obesity link […]
The Winner approach:
Team India won the cricket world cup not only because they wanted to win but largely because they had the confidence in themselves that they could do it. I see a similar thing happening in asthma patients. I see so many asthma patients. Some have so much trouble controlling their asthma. They have symptoms most […]
Allergy Testing:
Once it is established that the patient has asthma and the asthma is allergic in nature, the next question that arises is – allergic to what? The substances that cause allergic asthma (called allergens) are pollens of weeds, grasses, trees, fungal spores, dusts of various types, certain food items, certain medicines etc. The allergy tests […]
Gender differences in Asthma?
Most diseases do not discriminate on the basis of gender – that is they occur with nearly equal frequency in both males and females. However, some diseases show partiality towards one sex !! For instance rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders are far more common in females and heart diseases are somewhat more common in men. […]
Are inhaled steroids safe?
Inhaled steroids are the standard treatment for the prevention of asthma. That they are highly effective is well known. We can now confidently say that they are very safe too. Inhaled steroids have been used to control the allergic inflammation of asthma for the last 30 to 40 years. So we have a sufficient body […]
Are antibiotics useful in asthma?
No, by-and-large they are not. Asthma is not an infectious disease. Respiratory infections do make asthma worse or cause an attack of asthma. But these are usually viral infections and as such antibiotics are not required and are not useful. They could kill the good bacteria of the body and cause antibiotic resistance and could […]
Pregnancy and Asthma
Expectant mothers who have asthma are often anxious. Their anxiety is usually related to to following concerns: Will the asthma adversely affect my pregnancy or my baby? Will pregnancy adversely affect my asthma? Can asthma medicines be taken safely in pregnancy? Will my child also have asthma? They need not be unduly concerned. Well managed […]
Safe travel tips for asthmatics
Everyone loves to travel and see new places! Asthmatics are no different. But traveling and visiting new places poses certain risks and problems. But with proper care and attention to detail, asthmatics can safely travel and enjoy without asthma playing spoil sport! What are the risks involved in travel for asthmatics: Weather and temperature changes […]