Chennai: Asthma cases may go up

 

About 31.2 per cent complained of coughing, wheezing and breathlessness during smoke emission from cracker burning, the study to ascertain the impact of fireworks on respiratory health during Deepavali, revealed.

 

"The number of asthma patients increases to 20-25 patients per day compared to about 10-15 on normal occasions. Many come complaining of very bad cough and asthma flare-ups owing to pollution caused by toxic firecrackers," said Dr Narasimhan , senior consultant pulmonologist, Apollo Hospital.

 

Apart from staying away from smoke, small precautions like carrying inhalers can help avoid the risk of asthma episodes. "The smog can be very toxic and even dangerous for people with asthma. Therefore, proper management and right treatment can go a long way in controlling asthma," Dr Narasimhan said.

 

Inhaled corticosteroids are widely accepted as an effective treatment for asthma compared to oral corticosteroids, said Dr Kailash, pulmonologist.

 

 

Indians also recorded the longest average absence of 16.5 days. India also topped the charts recording 50 % reduction in productivity among the Asia Pacific counterparts. Monsoon may come as a great respite for most people as weather turns 

 

pleasant but is an ordeal for the asthma-affected whose conditions worsens."Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease," said Dr Narasimhan, senior consultant pulmonologist, Apollo hospital. During monsoon, high humidity acts as a trigger, said Dr Narasimhan, also president of Respiratory Research Foundation of India.