India, Feb. 8 -- Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition and is characteristically an inflammatory disease of the airways. Patients often complain of cough, breathlessness, wheezing, increased phlegm production, disturbed sleep, among other symptoms. Asthma is primarily hereditary in origin, although extraneous and environmental factors are known to trigger symptoms. Exposure to various triggers such as pollens, dust mites, pet dander, mould, dust, smoke, infections, seasonal variations, stress, exercise or cold air can lead to inflammatory changes in the airways. Management usually involves long-term controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, to reduce inflammation, along with rescue inhalers (bronchodilators) for quick relief during an acute attack. While a permanent cure does not exist, most people with asthma can lead a normal, active life by following a proper treatment plan. The primary objective of treatment is control, not cure. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is essential for staying symptom-free. Triggers are best identified by the patients themselves. One can therefore summarise by saying that asthma is not curable forever but is a controllable disease with adequate management and maintenance therapy. The author of this article is an MBBS, DNB, DM (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, PGI Chandigarh), FCCP; Consultant Pulmonologist at Jindal Clinics, Centre for Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh. He can be contacted at 958-246-9429...