Search

This article explores the challenges of managing asthma in India, specifically in rural areas, where there are deficiencies in self-management and training for primary care physicians. The study aims to understand the perspectives of patients and primary care physicians on asthma and the barriers to treatment and engagement with health services. Interviews were conducted with patients and physicians in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas. The findings emphasize the need for interventions that are culturally appropriate for patients and training that is clinically focused for primary care physicians in order to improve asthma management in India. The study focuses on the understanding and management of asthma among adult patients in the Vellore district of India. It reveals that many patients have limited knowledge about asthma and its treatment, resulting in poor adherence to prescribed care. Financial constraints and limited access to mainstream health services are identified as additional obstacles to asthma management. Social stigma and a preference for alternative treatments also influence patient behavior. The study recommends interventions that are tailored to the cultural context, improved training for primary care physicians, and affordable treatment options for economically disadvantaged patients. However, it is important to note that the findings may not be applicable to other regions of India, and further research is necessary. [Extracted from the article]

A wide range of topics have been covered by leading experts from India including indoor and outdoor allergens, allergic airways disease, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and food allergy. India has recently overtaken China as the most populous country in the globe with an estimated total population of ~1.43 billion people, comprising approximately 20% of the globe. REFERENCES 1 Laha A, Moitra S, Podder S. A review on aero-allergen induced allergy in India. [Extracted from the article]

Briefly, the questionnaire had 21 items, including core questions to assess the prevalence of rhinitis, asthma and eczema. Asthma insights and management in India: lessons learnt from the Asia pacific-asthma insights and management (AP-AIM) Study. In conclusion, the prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in this Bengaluru cohort is higher than the previously reported overall prevalence in India. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: India is low‐middle‐income country (LMIC) with a population of 1.3bn, comprising about 20% of the global population. While the high‐income Western countries faced an "allergy epidemic" during the last three decades, there has been a gradual rise in prevalence of allergic diseases in India. Methods: Narrative review. Results and Discussion: Allergic diseases occur as a consequence of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. There are multiple contrasting determinants that are important to consider in India including high levels of air pollution, in particular PM2.5 due to burning of fossil fuels and biomass fuels, diverse aero‐biology, tropical climate, cultural and social diversity, religious beliefs/myths, linguistic diversity, literacy level, breastfeeding and weaning, diet (large proportion vegetarian), and high incidence rates of TB, HIV, malaria, filariasis, parasitic infestations, and others, that not only shape the immune system early in life, but also impact on biomarkers relevant to allergic diseases. India has a relatively weak and heterogeneous healthcare framework, and allergology has not yet been recognized as an independent specialty. There are very few post‐graduate training programs, and allergic diseases are managed by primary care physicians, organ‐based specialists, and general pediatricians. Adrenaline auto‐injectors are not available, there is patient unaffordability for inhalers, nasal sprays, and biologics, and this is compounded by poor compliance leading to 40%‐50% of asthmatic children having uncontrolled disease and high rates of oral corticosteroid use. Standardized allergen extracts are not available for skin tests and desensitization. This article provides a critical analysis of pediatric allergic diseases in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]