Don’t Ignore That Cough, Says CARE Hospitals — It Could Be Asthma
A cough that lingers for more than two to three weeks, especially if it worsens at night or in the early morning, is often dismissed as a seasonal infection or allergy. However, doctors at CARE Hospitals caution that such symptoms may point to undiagnosed asthma, a condition that continues to remain under-recognised despite its growing burden.
Marking World Asthma Day 2026, clinicians highlighted a steady rise in respiratory illnesses, driven by worsening air quality, construction dust, vehicular emissions, weather variability, and an increasing exposure to indoor pollutants.
This year’s global theme, “Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone with Asthma – Still an Urgent Need,” underscores the importance of ensuring timely access to inhaled corticosteroids, considered critical in preventing severe asthma attacks and avoidable deaths.
Asthma is among the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting over 260 million people and accounting for more than 450,000 deaths each year, most of which are preventable, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). India carries one of the highest burdens globally, with an estimated 34.3 million people living with the condition, as per Global Burden of Disease data.
Dr. Sudhir Prasad said asthma attacks can significantly disrupt daily life and, in severe cases, become life-threatening. “Many of these complications are entirely preventable with timely diagnosis and appropriate inhaler therapy. Yet, patients often delay seeking care, assuming symptoms are minor,” he noted.
Explaining the underlying mechanism, he added that asthma episodes occur due to airway narrowing caused by muscle tightening, inflammation, and mucus accumulation, reducing airflow and oxygen supply. “This is why even seemingly mild symptoms like a persistent cough should not be ignored,” he said.
Doctors also pointed out that asthma does not always present with classic breathlessness. In several cases, a chronic cough, particularly at night, may be the only symptom, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Indoor air quality is increasingly emerging as a critical concern. Poor ventilation, prolonged air-conditioner use, dust accumulation, fungal growth, pet dander, and other indoor allergens are now major contributors to asthma flare-ups. In some cases, experts note, indoor pollution levels may be as harmful as, or even worse than, outdoor exposure.
Dr. Syed Abdul Aleem highlighted that poor adherence to inhaler therapy remains a leading cause of preventable asthma emergencies. “Patients often discontinue inhalers once symptoms improve, assuming recovery. However, asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires sustained treatment. Stopping medication midway significantly increases the risk of severe attacks,” he said.
Doctors observe that symptoms tend to worsen during summer and dust-heavy months, as well as during seasonal transitions, when allergens, humidity changes, and respiratory infections become more prevalent.
When to seek medical evaluation:
Individuals experiencing persistent cough beyond two to three weeks, night-time symptoms, wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness during routine activity, or recurrent respiratory infections are advised to undergo screening.
Warning signs in children:
Parents should seek medical attention if children experience breathlessness after play, frequent wheezing, prolonged cough following infections, or have a family history of asthma or allergies.
Preventive measures during summer:
Doctors recommend minimising dust exposure, maintaining clean indoor environments, regularly servicing air-conditioning systems, staying well-hydrated, avoiding smoke and aerosol irritants, and adhering strictly to prescribed inhaler therapy.
Experts emphasise that asthma is highly manageable when diagnosed early. With appropriate and consistent treatment, patients can lead normal, active lives. Delayed diagnosis or irregular treatment, however, can result in repeated emergencies, long-term lung damage, and reduced quality of life.