World Asthma Day: Can this respiratory disease be cured with the latest medical advancements?

Due to cutting-edge technology and the constant evolution of the medical field, asthma treatments have come a long way since the early days of simply managing symptoms with basic inhalers. However, there remains a significant level of uncertainty whether or not there ever will be a cure for this respiratory disease. Ahead of World Asthma Day 2024 - a day observed annually to promote awareness of asthma worldwide - Mid-day.com reached out to health experts who speak at large about the significant improvements in treatments of this condition.

Asthma is a fatal lung disease that requires timely intervention. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrows the airways in the lungs. It can lead to breathing difficulties and make it challenging for individuals to do their daily activities with ease. "The common signs and symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, inability to talk, anxiety, chest pain, troubled sleep, rapid breathing, and constant risk of infections," elucidates Dr Sanggita Checker, consultant chest physician, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

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Dr Radhika Banka, consultant respiratory physician, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim shares, "Family history, obesity, and childhood malnourishment, environmental factors such as smoking, indoor air pollution (including coal and gas emissions), and certain occupational exposures (like working with fumes) increase the risk of developing asthma."

Further, Dr Sarthak Rastogi, consultant, respiratory medicine, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre states, "Asthma triggers can range from pollen, moulds, dust mites, viral infections, exercise, certain medications like Aspirin, smoke, cold air, and volatile chemicals in everyday materials like cleaning agents or perfumes."

Evolution of asthma treatments

How have Asthma treatments evolved over the years?

Rastogi: Up until the 1950s, asthma treatment consisted largely of delivering drugs with adrenergic or anticholinergic properties including the quite oxymoronic Asthma Cigarettes which contained Stramonium (Dhatura or thorn apple) leaves in addition to tobacco, belladonna alkaloids, injection of anti-cholinergic drugs, inhaled or injected adrenaline.

Around 75 years ago, oral corticosteroids were available. After a couple of decades later corticosteroids and Ipratropium were used to reduce the side effects and improve the quality of an asthmatic person's life.

Since then we have over a dozen combinations of inhaled drugs in a variety of devices including metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers and nebulisers. Now patients have options of drugs that can be given safely with only minimal side effects and maximum improvements in their condition including lung function.

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Biological drugs are made from natural sources which are designed to target precisely the pathway of a disease, thereby eliminating the disease process. These drugs are reserved for severe asthma only, which affects less than five-10 per cent of the asthmatic population.

Biologicals have revolutionised severe asthma management by making the patient live free of asthma attacks and reducing dependency on oral steroid therapy which is one of the cornerstones of treatment in severe asthma and carries grave side effects. However, biologicals come at a heavy price to an already stretched out-of-pocket healthcare expense scenario in India.

Can asthma be cured with the help of advanced medical treatments?

Checker: It is a known fact that asthma cannot be cured due to various triggers and contributing factors. While new treatments can effectively manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations, they do not address the underlying mechanisms that cause asthma. As research continues to evolve, scientists are working towards better understanding of the disease mechanisms and developing more personalised approaches to treatment.

Banka: While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed. This involves medication, primarily inhalers, avoiding triggers, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining overall well-being. Although asthma may go into remission for extended periods, a definitive cure remains elusive. Like many chronic illnesses, controlling it is paramount, as complete eradication is often unattainable.

Rastogi: Asthma is an incurable disease. Alternative medicine believes that they can cure asthma, however, more often than not, either the condition was incorrectly diagnosed as asthma or in many cases, asthma can go into remission as a natural course of the condition (espcially in prepubescent children).

Care for asthmatic patients

Can the summer season be harsh for people suffering from asthma?

Checker: Scorching summer heat can be dangerous for people struggling with asthma as hot air can tighten and narrow one's airways inducing breathing problems. During summer, the pollutants and dust cause aggravation of asthma symptoms. Moreover, one is also exposed to pollen and allergies that can trigger asthma. Insect bites can cause allergic reactions aggravating one's symptoms.

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Rastogi: In summer, hot weather can improve the symptoms of a lot of patients but increasing temperature can also lead to several other issues like the rise of dust levels and pollen which worsen asthma control. Also, rising temperature can lead to drying up of mucus, which in asthmatics can become bothersome as they tend to have thick and gelatinous mucus. Staying indoors, frequent cleaning and vacuuming of the dust, staying hydrated and regularly using inhalers as prescribed can help one stay away from the emergency room or visit the doctor out of turn.

Which foods must asthmatics eat and avoid to help manage the condition?

Checker: To help manage the condition, opting for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can be a good option for asthmatics as they are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, reduce inflammation in the body that is linked to this life-threatening condition.

Add a lot of fruits and vegetables to your diet to get essential vitamins and nutrients that support overall health.

Rastogi: Foods which help prevent asthma are very individualised and vary on a case-to-case basis. Generally, people with asthma should avoid cold and sour food items. Also, food with added colours or sulphites (preservatives) should be avoided.

A healthy diet with weight control/loss helps in controlling asthma symptoms and lung function. Losing a little weight can also help. Coffee may have some positive benefits although the dose of caffeine needed to have objective improvement in lung function is usually very high.

Which exercises can help manage asthma?

Checker:

1. Cardio workouts such as swimming, walking, or cycling are excellent exercises for managing asthma.

2. Pilates and yoga are good options for individuals with asthma as they focus on controlled breathing techniques that can help strengthen one's respiratory muscles and support better lung capacity.

3. Interval training can help build endurance and will be helpful for asthma patients.

4. Walking is an impactful exercise in managing asthma symptoms.

5. Strength training exercises such as weight lifting can also benefit those with asthma by improving muscle strength and endurance.

Rastogi: Breathing exercises that require hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing) can be detrimental and must be avoided. Using an incentive spirometer for breathing exercises is beneficial, especially in overweight individuals or those who do not move around much.

What are some home remedies that help in easing asthma symptoms?

Checker: Taking steam daily can help clear your airways and reduce inflammation, providing relief from breathing difficulties. Creating an allergen-free zone in the bedroom can significantly contribute to better asthma management without the need for medication.

Rastogi: While there are no home remedies for asthma, you can ensure a few things to prevent triggers. These include:

1. Regular cleaning and vacuuming the home. Avoid carpets, rugs which accumulate dust, and thick material tapestry which cannot be cleaned regularly.

2. Change your bedsheets and pillow cover regularly.

3. Ensure regular maintenance of air conditioners and air purifiers if you have them at home.

4. Check for moulds in the walls, bathrooms, pipe inlet and outlet areas and carry out regular pest control for cockroaches.

5. Avoid air pollution, burning incense sticks, and cooking with clean fuel.

6. Exercise regularly and eat healthy.

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Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.