Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. Asthma is a disease of the branches of the windpipe (bronchial tubes), which carry air in and out of the lungs. There are several different types of asthma. Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by an allergy (for example, pollen or mold spores). According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, half of the 20 million Americans with asthma have allergic asthma.
Air is normally taken into the body through the nose and windpipe and into the bronchial tubes. At the end of the tubes are tiny air sacs called alveoli that deliver fresh air (oxygen) to the blood. The air sacs also collect stale air (carbon dioxide), which is exhaled out of the body. During normal breathing, the bands of muscle surrounding the airways are relaxed and air moves freely. But during an asthma episode or "attack".
We live in a country where environmental pollution has reached an alarming level in major cities of the countries due to the rising number of vehicles on the roads. Unchecked rising level of carbon emission is also responsible for rampant pollution according to a report published by National Forum on Environment and Health (NFEH) in June 2008.
Exposure to air pollutants is a major cause of many health problems including asthma. Water and Air pollutants also cause allergy in susceptible individuals.
While measures to control and reduce pollution are the prime requirements to reduce the burden of such diseases, their timely treatment and control of symptoms is of utmost importance to save life and to maintain quality of life.
Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks physicians properly qualified or trained in allergy and asthma as well and save for four or five consultants there is hardly anyone adequately trained to handle such patients. It is understandable then that such patients get little qualified medical care due to the patient load consultants in the field have to handle.
At The Medical Practice, we run an allergy and asthma advisory center. Our CEO has been trained by one of the best and most qualified practitioners in the field of allergy and asthma. We treat allergy and asthma problems and get specialist advice as and when needed. The follow up remains with us relieving the burden on the consultant and sparing the misery of long waiting months to patients who need advice and medicationnow.
