Good Advice for Good Breathing : Maintaining Respiratory Health During the Monsoon

As the monsoon season approaches, it brings with it a surge in respiratory challenges for those living with asthma. Researchers have observed a notable rise in asthma cases, including acute bronchospasm, after thunderstorms, leading to the term "thunderstorm asthma. " Dr. B. Rajesh Kumar, Consultant Pulmonologist, Madurai said, “Asthma is a chronic inflammatory  condition. 

When a person living with this condition is exposed to triggers like an over exposure to  allergens it can cause their already swollen airways to spasm, making it increasingly difficult to  breathe . It is imperative that asthmatics as well as their families gain the knowledge to  recognize early warning signs of worsening symptoms in order to respond promptly, effectively  minimizing the impact of the disease on their daily lives.”

One should prioritize personal hygiene and clean surroundings. Keep surroundings clean and well ventilated. Monitor lung health with a peak flow meter which can be used to measure lung strength and airway openness. Get annual flu vaccinations and regular pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations to  reduce this risk of respiratory infection, which can develop into pneumonia for  asthmatics. Asthma triggers vary between individuals and may evolve over time. Monitor triggers as  it enables medical professionals to customize treatment plans effectively. Develop an asthma action plan, in consultation with a doctor. This helps to cope with symptoms, identify and track triggers as well as take preventive  measures to better manage the condition.

Dr. B. Rajesh Kumar added, “Limited disease awareness and misconceptions about inhalation  therapy have led to asthma being clouded in myths and stigma. This results in high rates of  under diagnosis, delayed or inadequate treatment, and untreated cases. Awareness Initiatives  play a crucial role in empowering patients to understand and adhere to prescribed treatments.”