For children and adults — accurate diagnosis, correct inhaler technique and a personalised long-term plan so asthma does not control your life.
Understanding Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making it harder for air to move in and out. It affects people of all ages — and in Kolkata, where dust, pollution and seasonal change are common, asthma flare-ups are frequently triggered by these everyday exposures.
The severity of asthma varies from person to person. With the right diagnosis and a management plan, most people with asthma can keep their symptoms controlled and live an active life. The key is treating the underlying inflammation, not just suppressing the symptoms.
Common symptoms
Recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, persistent cough (often worse at night or early morning), chest tightness, symptoms after exercise or exposure to dust, pollen, cold air or smoke.
How it is diagnosed
Detailed history and examination, spirometry (lung function test), bronchodilator reversibility testing, and selected allergy or inflammatory markers when needed.
Management approach
Individualised inhaler therapy with stepwise adjustment, correct inhaler technique training, trigger avoidance, and a written asthma action plan with regular review.
When to See a Specialist
Signs You Should Book a Visit
Symptoms that started recently, recur, or wake you at night
Repeated use of a reliever inhaler — more than twice a week
Visits to emergency or repeated missed school/work due to breathing
Chronic cough in a child that has not settled
Occupational exposure — dust, fumes or chemicals causing symptoms
Asthma during pregnancy, or difficulty controlling symptoms despite treatment
Note for patients
Asthma is a long-term condition — it needs regular review, not just one-time treatment. Dr. Sandip Das structures asthma care around follow-up visits, so your plan is always matched to your current condition.
Asthma FAQs
Asthma Questions, Answered
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma is a chronic condition without a permanent cure, but it can be very well controlled with proper treatment — most people with asthma can live a normal, active life when their condition is managed correctly.
Is asthma contagious?
No. Asthma is not contagious. It is an inflammatory condition of the airways that cannot be passed from one person to another.
Are asthma inhalers safe for long-term use?
When used correctly under medical supervision, prescribed inhalers are a safe and standard part of asthma care worldwide. Your doctor will explain the role of each inhaler and show you the correct technique.
Can children outgrow asthma?
Asthma symptoms in children change over time. Some children become symptom-free as they grow, while others continue to have symptoms. Regular review with a specialist helps adjust treatment as a child grows.
Can I exercise if I have asthma?
In most cases, yes. With well-controlled asthma and an appropriate warm-up, exercise is encouraged. If symptoms appear during exercise, that is a sign the asthma plan needs review by a doctor.
বাংলায় জানুন — হাঁপানি (অ্যাজমা)
হাঁপানি ফুসফুসের একটি দীর্ঘমেয়াদি রোগ, যাতে শ্বাসনালি ফুলে যায় ও সরু হয়ে যায় — ফলে শ্বাসকষ্ট, কাশি, বুকের চাপ বা সাঁ সাঁ শব্দ হয়। ধুলো, ধোঁয়া, ঠান্ডা বা পরাগের সংস্পর্শে উপসর্গ বাড়তে পারে। সঠিক চিকিৎসা ও ইনহেলার ব্যবহারের সঠিক পদ্ধতিতে হাঁপানি নিয়ন্ত্রণে রাখা সম্ভব। হাঁপানির লক্ষণ থাকলে বুকের ডাক্তারের পরামর্শ নিন।