New vistas open in search for cures

Medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are similar but differ according to severity, age group and sex of the person undergoing treatment.

Physicians usually prescribe a combination of inhaled and oral steroids, and antibiotics, bronchodilators and anticollagen drugs. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalised and administered oxygen. Patients with severe COPD even have to inhale oxygen for a few hours daily.

“Though the drugs are similar, in the case of asthma they help dilate the airways. In COPD, the drugs help eliminate breathlessness and chest infections. They also help improve lung capacity,” says chest physician Dr Ashok Mahasur.

The main problem here is the lack of awareness about inhalers. While the taboo about them has more or less disappeared, there is confusion about the number of puffs to take and dosages. “Several patients use the reliever when they have an attack, but ignore the preventer, which helps control the illness over time,” says Dr Amita Athavale, head of chest medicine, KEM Hospital.

The controversy on steroids continues to brew. There have been reports in the past that long-term use of steroid inhalers leads to osteoporosis, development of fungi in the oral cavity, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Excessive use of these drugs by children may also lead to stunted growth.

But with steroid inhalers being the first line of treatment for asthma and COPD, doctors have little choice. “Administering steroids through inhalation is the safest and quickest way to deal with the ailment. Oral steroids take a longer time to function,” says Dr Mahasur.

There are several ongoing research studies relating to asthma and COPD drugs. The most significant is the oral vaccination or “a combination of bacterial extracts” that is being used to control COPD. “It is given to patients in six-month intervals but is more of a preventive measure,” says Dr Salil Bendre, chest physician, Nanavati Hospital

Alternative medication

Besides allopathy, there are other treatments available to sufferers of respiratory ailments.

According to Dr Rajeshri Mehta of Ayushakti Ayurveda, ayurveda can help cure asthma in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, “but they have to take care of their metabolism and keep fit”. In the case of COPD, ayurvedic treatment can help improve immunity.

Dr Mehta recommends a simple home remedy for asthmatics: a mix of fresh ginger juice, basil leaves juice and one teaspoon of honey every morning. “Massages and enema treatment also help. People with respiratory problems should also avoid cold or oily food, and citrus fruits. Also, they should always keep warm.”

While homeopathic treatment cannot cure respiratory problems, Dr Rajesh Shah of Life Force Centre says the branch of medicine can play a supportive role to allopathy. “Allopathy combats the effects of the problem while homeopathy enhances the body’s ability to coping with it,” he says, “Homeopathy can help reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of asthma attacks. But allopathy is more effective for acute problems.”

Dr Shah says that in the case of chronic problems such as COPD, homeopathy can reduce the need for steroids, bronchodilators and antibiotics in the long run. Dr Shah recommends wearing a mask or using an umbrella mask while travelling.

A combination of yoga, breathing exercises and swimming also help combat respiratory troubles. Acupuncture too helps, though only to treat bronchial asthma and that too in the early stages. Says acupuncture specialist Dr Afzal Shah: “Treatment has to be coupled with medication.”