Seasonal asthma

I am 39 years old. I have been suffering from breathing trouble for the past nine years. The problem recurs mostly during the monsoons and in winter. An inhaler brings partial relief, but no permanent solution. What could be reasons behind this? Please suggest remedy.

You are suffering from seasonal allergic asthma. Air-borne allergens are to be blamed for the development of seasonal asthmatic symptoms. You have not mentioned which type of inhaler you use. You should take an anti-allergic pill and a controller inhaler (budesonide or fluticasone) two weeks prior to the season’s onset. Salbutamol inhalers can be used in an emergency, but should not be used regularly. Its regular use can worsen the asthma. An allergy skin test can be done to detect the responsible allergen. A doctor could then advice you accordingly.

hyderabadi fish

Last year, I swallowed the famous Hyderabadi fish, which has been touted as a permanent cure to asthma. Till now, however, I have not found any such result. Is it possible to cure asthma completely by swallowing such a fish? If so, what is the reason behind this? Please explain.

The relief obtained from the Hyderabadi fish by some patients can be explained by its placebo (pills without active ingredients) effect. Placebo is well known to provide benefits for a limited period of time. I do not believe that the fish treatment can cure asthma. I suggest you consult a respiratory physician. Asthma can now be controlled with the availability of recent treatments. Inhaled drugs are best for asthma because micro quantity of the drugs directly reach the site of the disease. It can be used for prolonged periods without any side effects. In majority of cases, the doses can be reduced gradually or even stopped.

dust allergy

I suffer from irritation in my eyes and breathing trouble whenever I travel and get trapped in a traffic jam. The problem continues even after I reach my destination. Sometimes I also feel an irritation in my throat. What could be the reasons behind it? How can I get rid of this problem?

You are most likely suffering from dust allergy. You should take an allergy skin test for confirmation. The best option, however, is to avoid exposure to dust, if possible. Regular use of an anti allergic pill might prevent its occurrence. Desensitisation of the offending allergen is also an option. It needs two to three years to desensitise the offending allergen completely.

cough and cold

I am 66 years old and my general health is fine. But cough and cold has been bothering me for the past five years. I am forced to bathe with hot water because of this ailment. What could be the reasons behind this? Could you please prescribe a remedy?

If you are a smoker, or smoked earlier, you might be suffering from Chronic Bronchitis (COPD). A Spirometry (lung function test) is needed for proper diagnosis. The standard treatment of COPD will be applicable depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Besides, it may be due to respiratory allergy. Regular use of anti-allergic tablet (Levocetrizine) and Fluticasone nasal spray will control your allergy.

bronchial asthma

I have been suffering from bronchial asthma for the past 22 years. I take eight to 10 puffs of Salbutamol along with two Broncho plus tablets. Is it harmful?

The basic pathology of bronchial asthma is the inflammation of the airways leading to mucus formation and airway spasm. Salbutamol reduces the spasm, but the airway inflammation continues unabated. According to world-wide studies, asthma patients using regular and high doses of Salbutamol inhalers suffer from harmful effects. You should use a combination of Budesonide and Formoterol inhaler regularly. This reduces the airway inflammation and helps cutting down on your emergency medications like Salbutamol. It also prevents asthma attacks and allows you to lead a symptom-free life.