Asthma, COPD
Asthma and COPD for two related diseases that affect the Airways. Asthma is usually inherited genetically. However, exposure to certain allergens and Chemicals at work can also lead to asthma development. COPD on the other hand, is usually caused by exposure to cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and smoke from other sources such as cooking and mosquito repellents.
Both these diseases can cause chronic cough, breathlessness and wheezing. We generally evaluate these patients with basic investigations such as x-ray, spirometry, allergy skin test, 6-minute walk test and blood markers.
Treatment usually involves inhalers with spacer, allergen avoidance, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and health education.
