Can Asthma Be Cured or Only Managed? Find Out Here

Asthma is a common prevalent chronic respiratory illness that affects millions of people all over the world in every age group. Asthma is defined as inflamed and constricted airways, causing repeated bouts of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Though medical advancements have significantly enhanced the living conditions for people suffering from asthma, one question often pops up; will asthma ever be eradicated and completely cured, or can it be only controlled?

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director and Chief Health Officer (Indian Subcontinent), International SOS, explained that asthma is now a non-curable but controllable condition. "Asthma is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. The chronic inflammation in the airways makes them sensitive to a variety of triggers including allergens, dust, smoke, pollution, and stress. Although treatment can control this inflammation, it cannot permanently reverse the changes in airways in most patients," he shared.

Also Read: How Does Pollution Affect Pregnant Women? Expert Shares Hidden Dangers

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition since it has the tendency to recur throughout life. The symptoms are liable to change in frequency and intensity, but there is always the tendency for airway inflammation. For others, asthma is only present during childhood and seems to disappear later in life. Dr Vora says that this remission is not necessarily indicative that the disease is healed. "In most instances, sensitivity of the immune system persists, and symptoms recur later in life if challenged by certain stimuli," he stated.

Why Is Asthma Cure Difficult?

The complexity of asthma lies in its root cause. It is not caused by a single infection or defect that can be corrected with medication. Instead, it involves the immune system’s overreaction to harmless substances. Current treatments target symptoms and inflammation but do not permanently alter the underlying immune response.

"There is research into the development of therapies that could alter immune pathways, for example, biologics. The treatments are promising for enabling individuals who have severe asthma to achieve greater control, but they do not provide a cure at present," said Dr Vora.

Also Read: Post-Festive Overeating: 6 Ayurvedic Practices For Gut Health

Ashtma and Importance of Effective Management

Although a full cure is still beyond our grasp, treatment for asthma has become very effective. The focus is on keeping one's breathing normal, avoiding flare-ups, and enabling people to enjoy active lives.

Dr Vora stressed, "With the correct mix of medication and lifestyle changes, the majority of individuals with asthma can control their disease effectively." Management measures are:

• Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators: These drugs limit inflammation and open up airways.
• Trigger avoidance and identification: Identification of what brings on attacks, like pollen, dust mites, cold air, or smoke, helps to reduce attacks.
• Monitoring regularly: Monitoring lung function with a peak flow meter and regular check-ups means making treatment changes promptly.
• Healthy habits: Avoiding tobacco smoke, healthy eating, and regular exercise can all help to improve the lungs.

Bottomline

Asthma cannot be cured as yet, but it can be well managed with good medical supervision, regular check-ups, and changes in lifestyle. With appropriate treatment, people suffering from asthma can live totally normal, active, and successful lives.