Asthma

Asthma is a syndrome characterised by airway inflammation, hypersensitivity of airways and airflow obstruction. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and cough. Asthma can occur in many different ways and for many different reasons but the triggers are often the same. They include airborne pollutants, viruses, pet dander, mold and cigarrete smoke.

Some common types of asthma are:

Childhood Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children.

Allergic Asthma

Asthma triggered by exposure to the same substances that trigger allergy symptoms.

Occupational asthma

results from an allergen or irritant present at the workplace. Workplaces where allergens may cause asthma are bakeries, flour mills, pet shops, zoos, laboratories where animals are present, farms and other agricultural settings, car repairs and manufacturing, metalwork, woodwork and carpentry, hairdressing saloons etc.

Cough variant asthma

It is a type of asthma that features a dry, non-productive cough. There may be no other symptoms like shortness of breath and wheeze. An ongoing cough is the only symptom.

Adult onset asthma

asthma can develop at any age including during adulthood. Adults are more likely to have persistent symptoms than children.

Exercise induced asthma

asthma that is triggered by prolonged exertion or vigorous exercise. Most people with chronic asthma experience symptoms of asthma during exercise. There are many people without chronic asthma, develop symptoms only during exercise.

Asthma C.O.P.D Overlap syndrome (A.C.O.S)

When patient suffers from symptoms of both Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can lead to cough. Symptoms are dry or productive cough, discomfort in chest; many a times, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache are associated with chief symptoms.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. In most of the cases, it is allergic. Smoking, dust, pet dander, strong odours can trigger the symptoms of bronchitis. In many cases a history of allergic rhinitis with post nasal drip can be found.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema (pathological destructive enlargement of the airspaces) are the most common conditions that make up COPD. Symptoms include repeated attacks of productive cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, wheeze, chest pressure and weight loss. In India, most common causes are Chronic Smoking and Use of Chulha (in villages).