Lucknow: The air is loaded with not just the festive spirit, it also contains allergens that cause problems for those living with asthma. More than 60,000 persons in the city have this ailment.

“Exposure to allergens and irritants like dust, pollution, pollen and smoke triggers asthma which is highly underdiagnosed and under-treated,” says professor Suryakant, head of pulmonary medicine department, King George's Medical University. “Asthma attacks prevent an individual from leading a normal life despite it being easily manageable through timely diagnosis, proper management and adequate treatment plan,” he adds.