Best Asthma Doctor in Hyderabad for Expert Care and Improved Breathing

Comprehensive Care from the Best Asthma Specialists in Hyderabad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Asthma

How common is asthma in adults and children?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions globally, affecting over 300 million people. According to health statistics, the prevalence is 9.3% in children and 8% in adults. If you or your loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms, consult an experienced asthma doctor in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Is asthma more common among people with certain occupation?

Yes, occupational asthma is more prevalent in young adults. Around 16% of cases are due to occupational exposure, while 21.5% of individuals suffer from work-aggravated asthma (pre-existing asthma worsened by workplace irritants). If you're experiencing symptoms that worsen at work, reach out to an asthma specialist in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals for expert evaluation and personalized asthma treatment.

What are the different types of asthma?

The best asthma doctors in Hyderabad classify asthma into several types:

• Allergic Asthma – Triggered by allergens like pollen, pets, and dust mites.
• Non-Allergic Asthma – Caused by factors such as stress, pollution, or smoke.
  
• Seasonal Asthma – Occurs during specific times of the year.
  
• Occupational Asthma – Caused by chemical or irritant exposure at the workplace.
  
• Childhood Asthma – Starts during childhood and is highly common.
  
• Adult-Onset Asthma – Develops after the age of 12 and can be more severe.
  

What is adult-onset asthma and why does it develop later in life?

Adult-onset asthma refers to asthma symptoms that begin in adulthood, typically after age 12 and often between 30–65 years. It is more severe than childhood asthma and progresses faster, particularly in women. Triggers include allergens, chemical exposure, infections, and hormonal changes. Get evaluated by the pulmonologists for early detection and effective asthma treatment.

Is cough variant asthma different from regular asthma?

Yes, cough variant asthma is a subtype where chronic cough is the only symptom, unlike regular asthma, which includes wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness. This type can be easily overlooked without proper diagnosis. If you experience persistent coughing, visit an asthma doctor immediately for a detailed assessment.

How does asthma differ in children compared to adults?

Asthma manifests differently across age groups. Childhood asthma is more common in boys and often improves with age, while adult asthma is more common in women and tends to be chronic. In children, severity is influenced by medication use and lung development; in adults, it is linked to allergies, smoking, and obesity. A consultation with an asthma specialist at PACE Hospitals can help create an age-appropriate treatment plan.

Can childhood respiratory infections lead to asthma later in life?

Yes, early-life respiratory infections—especially viral infections—are known to be key contributors to childhood asthma. Interactions between viruses, environmental exposures, and a child’s genetic makeup can increase susceptibility. The asthma specialist doctors in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals offer comprehensive evaluation for children with frequent respiratory infections to monitor and manage asthma risk from an early stage.

Can smoking or secondhand smoke increase risk of asthma?

Absolutely. Smoking and secondhand smoke are major risk factors for developing or worsening asthma. Even short-term exposure can cause inflammation and reduce lung function for hours. Prolonged exposure significantly increases the likelihood of wheezing, breathlessness, and other asthma-related symptoms. The best asthma doctors at PACE Hospitals strongly advocate smoking cessation and offer support to minimize exposure-related complications.

Can asthma develop later in life even if didn’t have it as child?

Yes, asthma can appear during adulthood, even if there were no symptoms in childhood. This is referred to as adult-onset asthma, and it is often more severe with faster lung function decline. Factors like allergens, occupational exposure, hormonal changes, or infections may trigger it. If you're experiencing new respiratory symptoms, consult the best asthma doctor in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals for accurate diagnosis and advanced asthma treatment.

Is shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty breathing always a sign of an asthma attack?

Not always. While these are classic asthma symptoms, they can also occur in conditions like heart disease, lung infections, panic attacks, or anxiety disorders. For an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to consult a pulmonologist. At PACE Hospitals, our asthma specialists provide comprehensive testing to identify the root cause and recommend the appropriate asthma treatment or alternative care.

Are there any unusual symptoms of asthma one should be aware of?

Yes, some less common but serious symptoms that may indicate a severe asthma episode include bluish lips, extreme fatigue, confusion, increased heart rate, profuse sweating, and difficulty speaking. If you or someone around you experiences these signs, seek emergency care or contact the leading asthma doctor in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals immediately.

How do asthma symptoms differ between children and adults?

Though symptoms like chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing are common in both children and adults, their frequency and severity differ. Children may show intermittent symptoms, fatigue, poor feeding, and flaring nostrils, while adults often have more persistent asthma. For age-specific diagnosis and care, consult an experienced asthma specialist at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, India.

Can asthma lead to permanent lung damage?

Yes. Long-standing, uncontrolled asthma may result in permanent structural changes in the airways, including fibrosis, inflammation, and thickening of airway walls. This can lead to lung fibrosis, reducing responsiveness to medication. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring by the best asthma doctor in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals can help prevent such complications.

Can asthma increase the risk of lung infections, such as pneumonia?

Absolutely. People with asthma have a weakened respiratory system and are at a higher risk of developing lung infections like pneumonia—especially after contracting viral illnesses like the flu. Studies show that adults aged 65 and older with asthma are 5.9 times more likely to develop pneumonia. At PACE Hospitals, our asthma doctors focus on preventive care, including vaccination and infection management.

Are asthma complications more severe for the elderly?

Yes, elderly patients with asthma are at a higher risk of developing complications due to the presence of other chronic conditions like COPD, heart disease, or diabetes. Additionally, the elderly often experiences fewer visible asthma symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging.

What tests are used to diagnose asthma?

To confirm a diagnosis of asthma, a pulmonologist or asthma doctor in Hyderabad may recommend lung function tests along with supporting diagnostics. At PACE Hospitals, we follow evidence-based protocols, including:

• Spirometry – Measures the volume and speed of air exhaled.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) – Assesses airflow after maximum effort.
• Bronchodilator Response Test – Evaluates changes in breathing post-bronchodilator use.

Allergy tests, FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide), and Chest CT scans are also used for a comprehensive assessment by our asthma specialist doctors at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, India.

Is allergy testing necessary for asthma diagnosis?

Yes, allergy testing plays a vital role, especially when asthma has an allergic component. Though it does not directly diagnose asthma, it helps identify triggers such as dust mites, pollen, or mold. The asthma specialists at PACE Hospitals, often recommend allergy tests as part of your personalized asthma treatment plan.

What is spirometry, how does it help diagnose asthma?

Spirometry is a key diagnostic tool used to assess lung function. It measures the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Asthma typically shows an obstructive pattern — reduced FEV1/FVC ratio. At PACE Hospitals, spirometry helps tailor accurate diagnosis and treatment strategies.

What are the treatment options available for asthma?

Asthma treatment focuses on long-term disease control and reducing symptoms. Our team of top asthma specialist doctors in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals uses a combination of therapies:

• Controller medications: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA).
  
• Reliever medications: Rapid-acting beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics.
  
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy: For allergic asthma to reduce sensitivity to triggers.
  

We provide customized asthma care based on severity and patient profile.

What is the role of immunotherapy in asthma treatment?

Immunotherapy is highly effective for allergic asthma, especially when symptoms are triggered by dust mites or pollens. It helps reduce airway inflammation, improves quality of life, and decreases dependence on bronchodilators. The asthma doctors at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, may recommend subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy as part of long-term asthma control.

Are there any surgical options for asthma treatment?

While rare, surgical interventions may be considered in complex or drug-resistant asthma cases. These include:

• First-generation: Glomectomy, vagotomy, and ganglionectomy.
• Second-generation: Neurostimulator implants for vagus and sympathetic nerves.
• Third-generation: Implantation of programmable microchips.

Such options are evaluated carefully after thorough assessment.

What is bronchial thermoplasty and is it suitable for all asthma conditions?

Bronchial thermoplasty is an FDA-approved, non-pharmacological procedure for severe asthma. It uses controlled radiofrequency energy during bronchoscopy to reduce smooth muscle mass in the airways, thereby decreasing asthma attacks. Not all lobes of the lungs are treated (e.g., the right middle lobe is excluded) and this is recommended only for selected patients.

Pulmonology Department | Pulmonology Hospital in Hyderabad