For Premnath Singh, the treatment has made him able to join back work and earn for his family. The only breadwinner in a family of 7, Premnath Singh has numerous responsibilities. Suffering from recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, respiratory distress and persistent coughing, especially during the rains and winters, Premnath Singh was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Disabled by the continuous discomfort, Premnath Singh was referred to Paras HMRI Hospital for specialised pulmonary care.
At Paras HMRI Hospital Patna, Dr Prakash Sinha, Consultant Pulmonology, conducted a thorough physical examination of the patient and recommended few preliminary tests to check the prelim diagnosis. Pulmonology tests such as spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate test (PEFR) helped in assessing the same. The results differed from the prognosis and indicated bronchial asthma.
According to Dr Prakash Sinha, “Spirometry and PEFR are tests that help assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale. They can elucidate the efficiency of the pulmonary system. Premnath’s case highlighted low exhale rate and it matched the conditions of bronchial asthma – a medical condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. We recommended certain medications, lifestyle changes and variability treatment to him and instructed his family to support him in his conduct. It should be noted that since Asthma cannot be cured completely and can only be managed with medications, it becomes essential for the family to support the patient in his treatment. Family support provides him encouragement and motivation.”
Dr Prakash also states, “There is an immediate need for increased awareness regarding effective medical treatment for Asthma. Lack of awareness and unpreparedness along with ignorance towards precautionary measures are increasing the incidences. Today numerous children and adults are suffering from Asthma and are facing the threat of disability due to the same. There is an urgent need for the public to come together, curb pollution and other factors triggering widespread asthmatic attacks.”
Post few months of detailed treatment, today Premnath Singh is feeling better. He is without pain, cough and discomfort. Moreover he has been instructed to always carry an inhaler to relieve himself of any discomfort that he may be facing. Asthma can usually be managed with rescue inhalers to treat symptoms and controller inhalers that prevent symptoms. Severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways open as well as inhalant steroids.
When you ask Premnath Singh how he feels today, he smiles and shares, “Painfree, independent and able to breathe again!”
