Ludhiana, May 3
ESIC Model Hospital, in association with Cipla, organised a health talk here today for the medical fraternity on asthma to commemorate World Asthma Day, which was observed on May 1.

Speaking on the "diagnosis and management of asthma in children", Dr Rajinder Gulati, head, Department of Paediatrics in ESIC Model Hospital, said among the broad spectrum of allergic diseases, bronchial asthma was the most prevalent, dangerous and life-threatening. "Asthma can develop at any age, but some children seem to outgrow the illness. Risk factors include self or family history of eczema, allergies or family history of asthma. Bronchial asthma causes cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing because of the hyper-reactive airways which constrict abnormally when exposed to allergens, cold or exercise."

Dr Gulati stated that treatment was aimed at avoiding known allergens and controlling symptoms through medication. A variety of medications for treatment of asthma were available. People with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) might use inhalers on need basis. Persons with significant asthma (symptoms occurring at least every week) should be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, preferably inhaled cortico-steroids, and with long acting broncho-dilators.

He further said acute severe asthma might require hospitalisation, oxygen and intravenous medications. Decreased exposure to known allergens by staying away from cigarette smoke, removing animals from bedrooms or entire houses, and avoiding foods that caused symptoms helped in preventing asthma.

The talk was followed by a workshop in which Dr Gulati gave practical demonstration of gadgets available for delivering the drugs by inhalation therapy. He claimed that the advent of inhaler therapy would be known as the most important milestone in the history of asthma management and children were not therapeutic orphans to it. "New drugs and novel devices like metered dose inhalers (MDIs), rotahalers and nebulizers helped children reap rich benefits."

The session was chaired by Dr P.C. Gupta, medical superintendent, and Dr I.P.S. Chhabra, chest and TB specialist at ESIC Model Hospital.

Dr Gupta, in his presidential remarks, appreciated the role played by the lndian Academy of Paediatrics in formulating the national guidelines for the treatment of asthma. He said with the high incidence of bronchial asthma --to the tune of 12 per cent among school going children-- these guidelines would go a long way in managing the asthmatics and helping them lead a healthy life.

Ludhiana, May 3
The defending champions, Baba Lodhiana Academy boys, managed to prevail upon their spirited opponents, Ludhiana district, and came out triumphant 82-77 to retain the title in the 24th Punjab youth basketball championship, which concluded at Guru Nanak Stadium here yesterday. In the girls’ section, Gurdaspur outnumbered Ludhiana 82-65 to clinch the title.

The last league fixture between the Baba Lodhiana Academy and Ludhiana district got off to a brisk start with the later establishing a four-point lead (22-18) at the end of the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, holders Baba Lodhiana Academy not only wiped out the deficit but surged ahead (45-40) at lemon break.

The next quarter witnessed a keen tussle with the lead exchanging hands very quickly. Players of both the teams exhibited great mobility as well as ball control. The two sides were tied at 63-all at the end of the third quarter.

In the deciding quarter, Rajan Sharma of Baba Lodhiana Academy stood tall among others and gave a good account of himself. He single handedly anchored his team to victory podium.

Rajan contributed 30 points while Harshabab chipped in with 21 points. Sandeep scored 9 points, followed by Nikhil and Manpreet who netted 7 and 6 points, respectively.

For Ludhiana, Akash Gill was the main scorer with 27 points. Other notable contributors were Jimmy Joy (17), Richard Joy (16) and Prabhjot (11).

With this victory, Baba Lodhiana Academy made a clean sweep by winning all three league fixtures and bagged the title. Ludhiana, with two wins and one loss had to content with the second position, while Jalandhar secured the third spot.

In the girls’ section, Gurdaspur faced a little challenge from Ludhiana whom they drubbed 82-65 and won the trophy. Ludhiana and Ropar secured second and third positions, respectively.

Rajdeep Singh Gill, DGP and president, Punjab Basketball Association, gave away prizes to the winners. Teja Singh Dhaliwal, secretary, PBA, Surinder Dhir, former director, sports, Punjab, and Gianinder Singh Sandhu, district sports officer, Ludhiana, were among others who attended the prize distribution ceremony.