Attacking Asthma: Say Yes to the NO Test

24 million Americans suffer from asthma, but some cases are tough to figure out. Now a new device is helping the misdiagnosed breathe a lot easier...

Source at firstcoastnews.com



Why Asthma is on rise?

An alarming rise in the number of asthmatics has led doctors to adding lifestyle modifications to their prescriptions.
Every day someone with asthma misses work or school. Every year, about 2, 50, 000 people die from this disease throughout the world and these numbers are growing alarmingly. According to WHO estimates, by 2025, there could be upto 100 million more asthmatics. In India too, this disease debilitates a significant number of people. The Ministry of Health's 2011 report says that 13 million Indians aged 15 and above suffer from asthma. Studies also show that there are more male asthmatics than females in all age groups though the highest number is in the age group of 55- 64. " There is a rise in asthmatic episodes across age groups. About ten per cent of children are also asthmatic compared to five per cent of adults," says Dr PC Kathuria, senior consultant, asthma and allergy, BLK Superspeciality hospital...

Source at wonderwoman.intoday.in



Possible cures for Asthma

Now there is some ray of hope for asthma patients.

Radio wave surgery
Repeated asthma attacks cause lung tissues to thicken but this new treatment burns them away, by opening up airways to make breathing easier. Instead of using drugs such as steroids, a tube inserted into the lungs heats the tissue. The procedure uses 10 second bursts of radio waves which heat the lining of the lungs to 65 degrees celsius. The operation takes about an hour and is repeated over a month and two. In the experimental stage, this could be a new option for severe asthmatics whose symptoms can't be brought under control with drug therapies...

Source at wonderwoman.intoday.in