Jaipur, May 01 2022: More than 300 million people around the world suffer from asthma - a respiratory problem in which the airways become narrow and swell up, which as a result may make breathing difficult and trigger coughing. Though it can be caused due to genetic factors; these days environmental change is a major risk factor causing this disease, and recently, it has also been found that even Covid has a major role to play in an increase in asthma cases of late. Every year, the first Tuesday of May is celebrated as World Asthma Day. To mark the occasion, a Pulmonology specialist at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur - Dr Ankit Bansal highlights that there’s been a rise in asthma cases post-Covid, and how one can keep their asthma in control.

Stressing on how Covid has had an impact, Dr Ankit Bansal, Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care, says, “Those who have had Covid have a higher tendency of having asthma. There’s been an increase of approximately 5-10 per cent in the asthma cases post-Covid.” Many patients who were exposed to Covid and had previously suffered from allergies developed asthmatic symptoms. For some of the patients who already had asthma, the severity of their disease increased, while for some, the symptoms appeared post-Covid only.

Even though the treatment is available, the patient must be well aware of the disease and its common symptoms. “Younger people who are experiencing any symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, dyspnea or wheezing, should see a doctor at the earliest so that they know if its due to asthma and can monitor themselves in future. Once the patient’s Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is done, they should find out what triggers their asthma after discussing with their doctor, for example, the environmental factors such as air pollution, dust allergy, seasonal change etc, have an asthma control plan ready and the medications.”

Dr Bansal suggests precautions every asthmatic patient should take to keep their asthma in check. “During the seasonal change (September-October and March-April), the asthma patients need to stay extra cautious and take necessary medications, many patients are allergic to pollen, they should avoid going out in open areas where there may be trees or plants which may aggravate their condition during the pollen season; lastly, at times, a patient’s asthma can also be triggered by stress or anxiety.” But, once the patient has identified his triggers, they can avoid further complications by keeping a few things in mind. Dr Bansal adds, “To keep asthma in check, the patients must keep their inhalers handy at all times. Regular diagnosis is important along with timely medications.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.