Key points
- Sensitive, narrowing airways
- Smoke and dust are common triggers
- Never stop prescribed inhalers on your own
- Blue lips or severe breathlessness = emergency
What it is
Asthma is a long-term condition of the airways. The breathing tubes are sensitive and, when triggered, they swell, tighten and make extra mucus, so breathing becomes difficult.
It often starts in childhood and is commonly found alongside allergy, eczema or hay-fever in the family. Symptoms come and go, and good day-to-day care keeps most people active and well.
Common signs
- Wheezing — a whistling sound while breathing
- Cough, especially at night or early morning
- Tight chest or shortness of breath
- Breathlessness with exercise, cold air or laughing
What can set it off
- Dust, dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander
- Smoke — cigarettes, chulha, crop burning and incense
- Cold air and sudden weather changes
- Colds and other chest infections
- Strong smells, perfumes and cleaning sprays
- Exercise without warming up, and stress
Everyday care that helps
- Keep any inhaler your doctor has prescribed with you at all times
- Keep the home dust-free; wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Avoid smoke completely, including second-hand smoke
- Cover nose and mouth in cold, dusty or smoky air
- Stay active, with a gentle warm-up before exercise
- Know your own early warning signs and your action plan
When to see a doctor promptly
- Breathing is very hard, or you cannot speak in full sentences
- Lips or fingernails look blue or grey
- The usual reliever inhaler is not helping
- A child is too breathless to eat, drink or talk
- Drowsiness or confusion during an attack — call emergency services
How we approach it at Gursagar
We take a detailed history of your breathing, triggers, season, home and work environment, allergy and family health. Dr. Shah then prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually.
Homoeopathic care at Gursagar is given alongside your existing asthma care. Please never stop or reduce an inhaler or other asthma medicine without your treating doctor's advice.
Common questions
Can children with asthma play sports?
Yes. With good control and a warm-up, most children can be fully active.
Is asthma contagious?
No. Asthma cannot be passed from person to person.
Can I consult online?
Yes. Note when symptoms occur and what came before them.
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →
Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?
Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.