The Irritating Asthma

This is the condition in which hyper-responsiveness of trachea-bronchial smooth muscle is seen, which results in the narrowing of air tubes. This is often accompanied by increased mucosal edema and secretion. It is generally the inflammatory condition. Asthma is the common respiratory problem. It is commonly seen in children than in adults.

As a pulmonologist, I have seen many patients who mostly complain about asthma. The main causes of asthma are:

 Infection
 Pollution
 Irritants
 Exposure to cold air
 Rigorous Exercise.

Studies have also proved that asthma can be psychogenic too other than its common causes.

One night I had my night shift. An emergency case came to me. A woman with the symptoms of breathlessness came to me and her husband revealed her history, “My wife was watering the plants in cold evening. After sometime she complained about her breath discomfort, but now the condition has worsened that she is breathless.” “Don’t worry Mr. Jack; she will be okay as it is seasonal asthma”. Then I gave her a dose of steroid which gave her relief.

Different Types of Asthma:

Depending upon nature, type and causes, they are classified as:

• Mild episodic asthma
• Seasonal asthma
• Mild chronic asthma
• Moderate asthma
• Severe asthma
• Refractory asthma

Treatment of Asthma:

The drugs which are used to treat asthma are classified according to their types. So, the general drugs are:

 Bronchodilators
 Leukotriene antagonists
 Mast cell stabilizer
 Corticosteroids


Apart from the drug therapy administered to the patients, general precautions should be taken by the asthmatic patients to avoid further complications. The following precautions which should be taken are:

 Avoid direct exposure to cold air
 Wearing mask if allergic to pollution
 Avoiding stressful work
 Infections should not be ignored as it can cause asthma

With proper care , precautions , drug therapy asthma can be treated.

The next morning I went for my usual rounds and asked the patient, “How are you feeling Ms Parsons?”

“I am feeling somewhat better, thank you doctor”, she said.