Asthma and COPD Management in India

Both conditions can be well controlled with the right treatment, allowing most patients to stay active and avoid frequent flare-ups and hospital visits.

Correct inhaler technique and regular review are as important as the medicines themselves.

• Allergic asthma — triggered by dust, pollen, pets or moulds
• Non-allergic and exercise-induced asthma — triggered by infections, cold air or exercise
• Severe asthma — asthma that stays uncontrolled despite high-dose inhalers
• COPD — chronic bronchitis — long-term cough with mucus
• COPD — emphysema — damage to the air sacs causing breathlessness
• Asthma-COPD overlap — features of both conditions

• Breathlessness, especially on exertion
• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
• Chest tightness
• Cough, often worse at night or early morning
• Frequent chest infections

Seek urgent care if breathlessness is severe, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips turn blue, or your reliever inhaler does not help.

• People with recurrent wheezing or breathlessness
• Smokers or ex-smokers with a long-term cough
• Patients with frequent flare-ups or hospital visits
• Patients with severe asthma considering biologic therapy
• Patients needing pulmonary rehabilitation

Evaluation includes a detailed history of symptoms, triggers, smoking and occupation, followed by lung tests.

Treatment is stepped up or down based on symptom control and lung function:

Reliever and controller inhalers, including inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators, with training in correct technique.

Injectable biologic medicines that target specific types of airway inflammation in patients with severe asthma.

A supervised programme of exercise, breathing techniques and education that improves breathlessness and stamina.

Home oxygen assessment, non-invasive ventilation and evaluation for advanced procedures in selected patients.

The cost of asthma and copd management in India depends on the tests and treatment required. Indicative costs at accredited hospitals are:

These figures are indicative and may vary by hospital, city and individual medical needs. Share your reports with us for a personalised, no-obligation estimate.

Factors affecting the cost:

• Severity of disease
• Need for biologics, oxygen or rehabilitation
• Number of tests and follow-ups
• Hospital category and city

Asthma and COPD are long-term conditions, but good control means fewer symptoms and flare-ups.

Typical stay in India: 3–5 days for evaluation and treatment planning; 2–3 weeks if a pulmonary rehabilitation programme is planned.

Treatment is generally safe when given under medical supervision. Possible side effects include:

• Inhaled steroids — hoarse voice or oral thrush, prevented by rinsing the mouth after use
• Bronchodilators — mild tremor or palpitations
• Biologics — injection-site reactions; rarely allergic reactions
• Oral steroids (for flare-ups) — raised blood sugar and other effects with repeated use

Your care team will explain the benefits and risks of each option before starting treatment.

• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke — the most important step in COPD
• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers
• Use your controller inhaler every day, even when you feel well
• Get yearly influenza and pneumococcal vaccines
• Stay active with regular walking or breathing exercises
• Keep a written action plan for flare-ups

1. Share your reports — send your recent tests and medical history for a free specialist review.
2. Get a treatment plan and estimate — receive hospital options, the suggested plan and an indicative cost.
3. Travel assistance — help with the medical visa invitation letter, airport pickup and accommodation.
4. Evaluation and treatment — consultation, tests and therapy at an accredited hospital with a dedicated coordinator.
5. Return home with follow-up — discharge summary, medication plan and remote follow-up with your doctor.