World Asthma Day: Asthma is an inflammatory disease caused by triggers such as exposure to environmental irritants, medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and strong emotions and stress. Asthma cannot be cured, and can only be controlled by avoiding triggers, using inhalers, and taking medications such as corticosteroids and immunotherapy, among other techniques.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists, theophylline and steroid tablets can help control asthma symptoms.
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Why there is no cure for asthma
According to experts, there is currently no cure for asthma because it is a complex and multifactorial disease, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no treatment that can completely eliminate asthma.
Moreover, asthma attacks are caused by a person's own immune system, and it is difficult to fix the issues within it. This is another reason why the disease has no cure.
However, there is nothing to worry about asthma not having a cure, because the disease can be controlled through proper exercises, prevention and care, according to experts.
“There is no permanent cure for asthma, and childhood asthma is not something which eventually goes away. But, with medical intervention and conscious care, the lungs will become stronger and become less susceptible to triggers. Regularly taking asthma medicines like bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids will certainly benefit you. While asthma can be life threatening if not taken care of, it is certainly not something to worry about if a patient exercises precaution and care,” Dr Jayant Khandare, Consultant Pediatrics and Neonatology, Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, Pune, said.
Scientific advances that can pave the way toward a cure for asthma
According to experts, there is ongoing research into the underlying causes and mechanisms of asthma, and with advances in this research, new treatments or even a cure for asthma could be developed in future.
"The scientific advances that could pave the way toward a cure for asthma include gene therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, and precision medicine,” Dr Shahid Shafi, Consultant Internal Medicine, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, told ABP Live.
Gene therapy
Gene therapy can help modify the genes that are involved in the development and progression of asthma, and can reduce or eliminate inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness by targeting specific genes.
“Researchers are exploring the use of gene therapy to modify the genes that are involved in the development and progression of asthma. By targeting specific genes, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate the inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness that are characteristic of asthma,” Dr Shafi said.
Immunotherapy
While immunotherapy has been used for many years to treat allergic asthma, it is being explored further to make it possible to use the therapy against non-allergic triggers of asthma.
“Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, has been used for many years to treat allergic asthma. Researchers are now investigating the use of immunotherapy to target non-allergic triggers of asthma,” Dr Shafi said.
Stem cell therapy
In the future, it may be possible to regenerate damaged airway tissue, that is characteristic of asthma, using stem cell therapy.
“Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair damaged tissues and promote healing. Researchers are exploring the use of stem cell therapy to regenerate the damaged airway tissue that is characteristic of asthma,” Dr Shafi said.
Precision medicine
Precision medicine, or personalised medicine, which is an innovative approach to tailoring disease prevention and treatment. The technique takes into account differences in people’s genes, environments and lifestyles.
“By tailoring treatment to each individual patient's unique needs, it may be possible to achieve better asthma control and reduce the risk of exacerbations,” Dr Shafi explained.
He concluded that while there is currently no known cure for asthma, ongoing research and advances in medical technology hold promise for the development of new and more effective treatments in the future.
Dr Khandare also said that a common myth associated with asthma is that people suffering from the disease must not participate in sports and physical activities.
“We need to keep in mind that asthma does not aggravate due to physical exertion. In fact, our lung function and quality of life improve significantly with regular exercise and keep asthma attacks under control.
He cited the example of Parupalli Kashyap, an Indian badminton player who suffered from asthma yet reached elite levels of success in men’s badminton.