World Asthma Day: Expert Insights on Asthma Care and the Role of Clinical Trials in Asthma Management

May 2^nd is World Asthma Day, dedicated to raising awareness about asthma, celebrated this year with the theme “Asthma Care for All.” Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Navitas Life Sciences supports people with asthma by managing efficient clinical trials that help speed up drug products to the market. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Navitas Life Sciences supports people with asthma by managing efficient clinical trials that help speed up drug products to the market.

To learn more about asthma, care and the role of clinical trials in asthma management, Dr Akash Gadgade, Senior Manager, Medical and Scientific Affairs and Anushka Vishal G A, Associate Director – CDO, Clinical Operations spoke to Dr Gururaj M Udachankar, a renowned pulmonologist, an expert in the field of respiratory medicine and personal investigator for global clinical trials.

Dr Gururaj M Udachankar

MBBS, MD, DTCD, EDRM Pulmonologist,

Udachankar Medical Care

The theme for this year's World Asthma Day is "Asthma Care for All." Effective care begins with identifying the triggers and avoiding them. There are common allergenic triggers such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. In addition to these, non-allergenic triggers such as smoke, exercise, cold air, and viruses can also worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures, as reducing exposure to these substances can help alleviate symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Remember, prevention is better than cure when it comes to managing asthma.

The most common myth about asthma is that childhood asthma goes away with age. What are your thoughts on this?

One of the most common myths about asthma is that it disappears in adulthood. However, the truth is that asthma symptoms can continue into adulthood. Although there is no known cure for asthma, the frequency and severity of attacks can be reduced with appropriate medication. Children with asthma can experience an improvement in their condition when they take medication regularly and have well-controlled symptoms.

Another common myth is that people with asthma should not exercise. What are your thoughts on this?

It is important to dispel the myth that exercise worsens asthma symptoms, as research has shown that regular exercise can actually have a positive impact on lung function and overall respiratory health. While it is commonly believed that physical activity can exacerbate asthma symptoms, in reality, exercise can help strengthen the lungs and improve their function. In addition to improving fitness and quality of life, exercise can also reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and their severity.

Medications for asthma as also supposed to be habit forming, and that they become ineffective overtime. What are your thoughts on this?

It is important to address the misconception that asthma medications are unsafe, as they are actually necessary for effective management of asthma. As asthma is a chronic condition, long-term medication is often required to manage the symptoms. These medications work by relieving bronchospasm, which is the underlying cause of symptoms such as breathlessness and chest tightness.

Inhaled steroids, which are a major component of asthma medications, do not have any systemic effects but rather act locally on the inhalation cortex to reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Therefore, it is important for individuals with asthma to understand that these medications are safe and essential for effective management of the condition.

How do clinical trials contribute to improving asthma care?

Clinical trials are crucial in advancing our understanding of asthma and its treatment. They provide us with valuable data that helps us develop better medications, improve existing treatments, and identify new therapeutic targets. Through clinical trials, we can also tailor treatments to specific patient populations and develop personalized treatment plans that are more effective and safer.

According to you, what is the future of clinical trials in asthma research and how do you see the field evolving in the coming years?

There is promising research being conducted to improve clinical trial outcomes and overall asthma management. Various studies are being conducted to improve the health condition and lung function of individuals with asthma. Additionally, there are new drugs being developed that act on the major pathways that lead to asthma exacerbations. For example, there is a drug called omalizumab, and a newer monoclonal antibody called Dupilumabac which acts by targeting the IL4 receptor and blocking both the interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 signaling pathways. These drugs show potential for improving asthma control in individuals with the condition.

To learn more about our services and solutions, reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.