Asthma
Control symptoms, prevent attacks, breathe easier

Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become swollen and narrow, causing wheeze, cough and breathlessness. In Lucknow, smog in winter, dust and pollen often trigger symptoms. With the right inhalers used correctly, most people with asthma live normal, active lives. The pulmonology team at Charak Hospital diagnoses and treats asthma in adults and children.

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About asthma

What is asthma?

In asthma, the airways are sensitive and inflamed. When exposed to a trigger, the muscles around them tighten, the lining swells and extra mucus forms, making breathing difficult. Symptoms can come and go and vary from mild to severe.

  • Often starts in childhood but can begin at any age
  • Allergies, eczema and family history are common
  • Triggers include dust mites, smoke, smog, pollen, cold air, infections and exercise
  • Preventer inhalers treat the inflammation; relievers open the airways quickly
  • Good control means few or no symptoms and no attacks

Inhalers

Medicine goes straight to the lungs in small doses.

Prevent

Daily preventer when advised.

Avoid triggers

Smoke, dust and smog.

Action plan

Know what to do when symptoms worsen.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of asthma

Symptoms are often worse at night or early morning.

Wheezing

A whistling sound when breathing out.

Breathlessness

Especially with exertion or at night.

Cough

Dry, repeated, often at night.

Chest tightness

A band-like feeling around the chest.

Symptoms with exercise

Cough or breathlessness during or after activity.

Worse with smog or dust

Or with cold air.

In children

Night cough, wheeze with colds.

Disturbed sleep

Waking with cough or breathlessness.

Asthma attack warning signs: too breathless to speak in full sentences, lips turning blue, reliever inhaler not helping, or drowsiness. Use your reliever and come to the 24×7 emergency department at once. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How asthma is diagnosed

Diagnosis combines your symptoms with breathing tests.

History and examination

Symptoms, triggers, family history and listening to the chest.

Spirometry

Measures airflow before and after an inhaler.

Peak flow

A simple device to track breathing at home.

Allergy and blood tests

When allergies are suspected.

Chest X-ray

To rule out other causes.

Treatment

How asthma is treated

Treatment is stepped up or down depending on how well asthma is controlled.

Preventers and relievers

Preventer inhalers (usually with a steroid) are taken daily to calm inflammation. Reliever inhalers quickly open the airways during symptoms.

Use a spacer with metered-dose inhalers, especially for childrenRinse your mouth after a steroid inhalerCarry your reliever at all times

Technique matters

  • Ask us to check your technique at every visit
  • Breathe out fully before using
  • Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after

Good to know

  • Inhaled steroids are in small doses and generally safe for long-term use
  • Needing a reliever often means asthma is not controlled
Everyday care

Living with asthma

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Smog season

On high-pollution days, limit outdoor exercise, keep windows closed and carry your reliever.

Smoke

Avoid all smoke: cigarettes, bidi, chulha smoke, incense and mosquito coils.

Dust

Wash bed linen weekly in hot water; reduce soft toys and carpets in the bedroom.

Vaccines

Ask about yearly flu vaccine.

Contact us urgently if

  • Too breathless to speak or walk
  • Lips or fingers turning blue
  • Reliever not helping or needed every few minutes
  • Drowsiness or confusion
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about asthma

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Inhalers are addictive.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Inhalers are not addictive. They deliver medicine directly to the lungs in small doses.

Myth

“Inhalers are only for severe cases.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Inhalers are the standard treatment for most people with asthma.

Myth

“Children outgrow asthma, so no treatment is needed.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Some children improve, but untreated asthma can affect growth, sleep and school. Treat it properly.

Your chest team

Pulmonologists and paediatrician

Pulmonary & sleep medicine COPD Paediatrics
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • All your inhalers and spacer
  • Previous spirometry or X-ray reports
  • A list of medicines
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can asthma be cured?

There is no permanent fix, but asthma can be well controlled so that you have few or no symptoms.

Are steroid inhalers safe?

At the doses used in inhalers, they are generally safe for children and adults. Your doctor uses the lowest dose that controls symptoms.

Can I exercise with asthma?

Yes. Good control and using your reliever before exercise if advised help most people stay active.

Is asthma safe in pregnancy?

Yes, with continued treatment. Uncontrolled asthma is a bigger risk than the inhalers.

Why is my asthma worse in winter?

Cold air, smog and viral infections in winter commonly trigger symptoms.

Glossary

Words you may hear

RelieverA quick-acting inhaler that opens the airways.
PreventerA daily inhaler that reduces airway inflammation.
SpacerA tube that makes inhalers easier to use.
SpirometryA breathing test measuring airflow.
Peak flowThe fastest rate you can breathe out.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Pulmonary & sleep medicine COPD Sleep apnoea Paediatrics Health library

Wheezy or breathless?

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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