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Despite decades of medical advancement in respiratory care, India continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest burdens of asthma with devastating consequences.
“While asthma does not have a permanent cure, it can be effectively managed through a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and environmental interventions,” says Dr Srinivas Jakka, consultant in paediatrics, pulmonology & allergy at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Hyderabad.
A key pillar of asthma management is the regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which is a treatment proven to reduce airway inflammation and prevent severe attacks. Yet, as Dr Jakka points out, “fewer than 10% of diagnosed patients in India adhere to ICS-based therapy, primarily due to stigma, misconceptions, and lack of awareness.”
As of 2024, approximately 34.3 million Indians suffer from asthma, accounting for 13% of the global disease burden. More alarmingly, India contributes to 46% of all global asthma-related deaths, underscoring a profound gap between available treatments and their real-world adoption.
To improve outcomes, Dr Jakka stresses the need for greater public education about the safety and effectiveness of inhalers. “Inhalers save lives. Increasing awareness and normalizing their use is critical,” he adds.
For patients with persistent symptoms or night time disturbances, a combination of ICS with long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) is often prescribed. In cases of acute asthma attacks, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like salbutamol provide immediate relief. Meanwhile, advanced biologics such as omalizumab and mepolizumab offer hope for those with severe asthma that doesn't respond to conventional treatments, though access and affordability remain barriers in India.
Beyond pharmacological solutions, environmental management is essential, especially in urban centres like Hyderabad, where allergens and pollutants are rampant. “Avoiding triggers like dust mites, smoke, and pet dander, using air purifiers, and improving indoor ventilation can drastically reduce symptom frequency,” explains Dr Jakka.
He also highlights the role of breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation, which have shown to improve lung function and quality of life.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with asthma most commonly beginning in early life. Nearly 10% of Indian children aged 0–14 suffer from asthma symptoms. In cities like Hyderabad, paediatricians report that 20–25% of their young patients exhibit asthma or asthma-like symptoms. During winter months, indoor allergens—including dust mites and mould—account for up to 80% of allergic reactions, making asthma management even more critical.
“Wheezing and chronic cough in children are often misdiagnosed as recurrent infections,” Dr Jakka notes. He advocates for regular screening in schools, public health campaigns, and enhanced training for primary care physicians to enable early and accurate diagnosis.
According to Dr Jakka, effective asthma control requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. “Healthcare providers must ensure education and personalized treatment plans; policymakers must improve access to essential medications; and communities must support awareness to reduce stigma and promote early care-seeking.”
As part of its commitment to addressing the issue, Ankura Hospitals operates specialized Asthma Clinics at all its branches, offering structured care and education. To further advance asthma care, the hospital is also organizing a Webinar for medical practitioners on World Asthma Day, focusing on latest treatment approaches and practical challenges in asthma management.
Dr Jakka concludes, “We have the tools to manage asthma effectively. What we lack is awareness, access, and action.”
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