Asthma Treatment Over The Years: The Evolution of Treating Asthma From Ancient Remedies to Modern Techniques

Asthma Treatment: Asthma was previously treated with herbal smoke, which was thought to alleviate breathing issues. Such techniques, as described in ancient books such as Egypt's Ebers Papyrus (15th century BCE), involved patients inhaling smoke from burning herbs, often to the point of fainting, for temporary relief. Hippocrates, a Greek physician from the fourth century BCE, related asthma to environmental factors such as dust, weather, and physical effort. Early treatments in various cultures, including India, relied on traditional cures and spiritual activities. Asthma was misdiagnosed as a mental ailment in medieval Europe, and treatments included caffeine, alcohol, and even tobacco—ironically, all of which are now known to cause asthma.

Asthma Treatment Over The Years

The scientific understanding of asthma advanced greatly during the twentieth century, with Sir David Jack inventing the metered-dose inhaler in 1956.  This revolutionised asthma treatment by delivering medication straight to the lungs. Despite their efficiency, inhaler use in India is fraught with societal stigma and misinformation. In recent years, medical innovations have introduced biologics—targeted injections for individuals who do not respond to inhalers—which have had life-changing effects despite their high cost. Today’s asthma treatment includes smart inhalers, air quality applications, wearable devices, and air purifiers.