Q&A with Dr.Premanand on the rise of respiratory diseases #BerokZindagi

With the increasing pollution and dust, smog and unhealthy air in cities; respiratory issues are on the rise. I myself have been suffering from allergic cold and cough and wheezing since a few months now. Hence, when I got a chance to interact with Dr. Premanand, MD Chest, Premananda Allergy & Chest Hospital Pvt Ltd, I asked him a few questions which I wanted to share with all you readers -

1. How serious is lung ailment? What are the different type of lung ailments?

Lung ailment / disease have become the growing concern amongst the pulmonologist in the city. Lung disease refers to disorders that affect the lungs, the organs that allow us to breathe.  These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. The blockage can be server making patient feel as they're "trying to breathe out through a straw.”  Some of the increasing trends in lung diseases include asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis.

2. Throw light on the deteriorating lung health in the region?Many reasons contribute to the deteriorating lung health in the region. Pollution being the prime cause. But indoor air pollution are equally the worrisome cause. We see kids with low lung capacity and it can be also blamed to the choice of lifestyle (eating habits to physically activity) we make.

3. What is inhalation therapy and why is it so important?Inhalation Therapy is a method to administer (deliver) drugs directly into the airway in patients with chronic (long-lasting) diseases of respiratory system like Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Bronchiectasis. In Inhalation Therapy (Aerosol Therapy), the medicine is made to float as mist in air (Aerosol) to be inhaled (breathed in) by the patient and deposited directly in the airway and lungs. In Inhalation Therapy the medicine reaches the airway directly, so the action is faster. As the medicine is given directly to the airways, a small dose of the medicine is enough. No gastritis as in oral medications and it is painless.

4. Majority of people are taking oral tablet for asthma. Do you think it is a correct way to treat asthma?If you need to take oral corticosteroids on a regular basis to control your asthma, side effects are more likely. Some possible side effects of long-term use are glucose intolerance, peptic ulcer, bloating, weight gain, elevated blood pressure and osteoporosis. Majority of pulmonologist, globally, support inhalation therapy not just as the best medication but correct medication to control asthma and lead a normal life.

5. Steroids are not good for health, inhalers too have steroids. What make them good when taken as inhalers?Inhaled steroids are the mainstay treatment for controlling asthma. The use of inhaled steroids leads to better asthma control, fewer symptoms and flare-ups and drop in hospitalization. Inhaled steroids need to be taken daily for best results. Some improvement in asthma symptoms can be seen in 1 to 3 weeks after starting inhaled steroids, with the best results seen after 3 months of daily use. However, before starting any medication, it is advised to consult a doctor and any medication should be taken as prescribed by a pulmonologist.

6. Why do you think there is so much social stigma attached to the inhalers and why one should not shy away from using it?It is not the asthma that is deadly, but the social stigma and the myths that are associated with the disease. According to the Global Asthma Report (2014), symptoms of asthma, especially breathlessness, cause emotional and psychological distress among patients while leading to delayed detection and medical intervention. As a pulmonologist, I urge people to choice health over any social stigmas, misconception and superstition. Modern science/ medicine have come a long way. Asthma can be controlled and a normal life with ample physical activity is possible through correct medication.

7. Can Asthma be treated completely?Asthma is a chronic disease and is present the rest of the lives. It can be controlled through inhalation therapy and a normal life is possible. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease. Inhalers are not only meant for those with severe asthma. It is recommended even for those with moderate asthma. The steroid in your Controller will usually contain a corticosteroid, which is safe.

8. What are your thoughts about the recent awareness campaign running in Telangana & AP #BerokZindagi? As we spoke on social stigma, I hope the campaign will help spread the awareness on the disease and inhalation therapy.

9. According to you, how important is government involvement healthcare system? If we speak in respect with the awareness campaigns, Government participation is very critical to reach out to people at grass root level. Awareness campaigns deeply affect individual in a very positive way and educate them about the disease. 

About Dr. Premanand

With years of experience in the medical profession, Dr Premanand from Premananda Allergy & Chest Hospital Pvt Ltd, Tirupati is one of the most established pulmonologist that the city has. In Tirupati he has made a rather exceptional name with an immense experience. According to many, the doctor classifies as one of the 'go-to' Pulmonologist in the area. The stronghold this doctor has in the medical field has not only drawn in patients from in and around the vicinity but from across the city as well.