Close to the chest but far from the heart is a more poetic definition for our lungs — the organs responsible for how well we breathe and therefore, how well we live. The lungs act as a filter to achieve one of the most important physiological functions of the body as they wash out carbon dioxide from the blood and take in oxygen.
The functioning capacity of our lungs and our respiratory volume are complementary and integral for life and therefore, any pathology or disease that hinders the way our lungs work can have a detrimental effect on our health. And, one such common condition is asthma whereby the sensitivity of the bronchioles (smaller airways in the respiratory tree which are tubular and have muscles in their walls that are capable of contracting and constricting the lumen) to any stimuli (different in varying patients) leads to bronchoconstriction; this hinders the smooth flow of ventilation in the lungs and the individual finds it difficult to breathe and experiences a whistling sound especially when he or she tries to exhale.

Cause and effect

Frequent and prolonged attacks of bronchoconstriction lead to air getting trapped in the lungs and this weakens tissues. Subsequently, secondary infection sets in and the complications of bronchitis and pneumonia enfeeble the patient further.
If one were to examine the onset of asthma, one would have to consider family history, as the condition usually sets in during childhood and tends to disappear after puberty, but there can be a relapse at any age if the individual is exposed to the stimulus that aggravates the condition. In some cases, asthma can even kick in during adulthood.
There are also environmental factors and certain foods that can trigger Asthma and the most common of these are:

Pollen
Nuts
Citrus fruits and berries
Chocolate
Heavy, greasy dinners
Strong odours
Inhalation of chemicals or spicy fumes
Climatic changes
Industrial pollution
Emotional trauma.

Prevention and cure

Inhalers and nebulisers have revolutionised the treatment of asthma. Drugs delivered into the respiratory tree via these devices help to prevent, alleviate and reverse bronchoconstriction. In addition, the side effects of orally consumed medications are circumvented. Numerous dilators and preventive drugs in an aerolised form have brought relief to several people suffering from asthma.
Certain drugs that prevent the initiation of the cycle of hypersensitivity that triggers spasms are also available and can be consumed during vulnerable periods (climate change, emotional trauma, etc.). However, it is very important to consult a doctor before trying any medication.
Of course, prevention is always better than cure and as people who suffer from asthma know their triggers, they should avoid the same and start early.
Simple physiological exercises to strengthen the lungs and respiratory muscles, yoga, breath holding, deep breathing, steam inhalation and walking in open spaces help to keep the lungs healthy.
And, if you’re not into exercise, learning to play a musical instrument such as the flute or saxophone (basically any wind instrument of your choice) is also a great exercise for the lungs; and this way, we get to have healthy lungs and play sweet music in the process.

The writer is a consultant physician and cardiometabolic specialist at the Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.