Doctors at the Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre attempted to dispel rumours about the harmful effects of inhalation therapy on the occasion of World Asthma Day. Speaking at a press interaction, G. Vel Kumar, Chief Pulmonologist, Meenakshi Mission Hospital, said that inhalation was an effective means to control the inflammation inside the windpipe. The administration of inhaled corticosteroid therapy (ICT) may help in completely reducing the condition for children below 12 years, he said.
People discontinue using inhalers because of the stigma and misconceptions attached to them, according to Dr. Vel Kumar. “For many, the word `steroid’ conjures a vision of building muscles. Parents believe that their children will be dependent on an inhaler for life and may not be able to do without it,” he said. He added that a maximum number of a pre-teen, teenage and, college students stop using the medication because of the social stigma attached to `looking weak’. The use of ICT, will result in optimal drug delivery and has higher drug dosage than oral medication, Dr. Vel Kumar added. He also said that by opting to use this therapy, it will keep depression at bay, increase productivity and reduce the number of sick leaves. Elaborating on pediatric asthma, the doctor said that it is important to protect young children from flu and pollution. He added that passive smoking, dust allergies, pet allergies, and seafood allergies could cause the disease. “More people are finally opening up to the idea of using inhalers but we still have a long way to go,” Dr. Vel Kumar said.
Source: The Hindu
Date: 08.05.2019
