'Adherence to prescribed treatment keeps your asthma under control'

[email protected] (CD Network, Photo by Ahmed Anwar )

April 30, 2012

Mangalore, April 30: Observing the theme 'You can control your asthma' on world asthma day, city doctors highlighted the importance of inhalation therapy in asthma as well as adhering to it can keep asthma under control thus preventing serious asthma attacks and hospitalizations. However in India it is found that compliance to asthma medication regime is very poor and tends to falter after a few months in both children and adults and the rate of non- adherence has been estimated to be around 50%.

Commenting on the reason for non-adherence to asthma medications Dr Vishwas Sharma of A J Hospital, Mangalore, said, ”Adherence to prescribed treatment is the most important aspect of managing a chronic disease like asthma. Many patients once they feel better stop treatment after few weeks. This can be dangerous since stopping treatment can lead to aggravation of the disease and precipitate an asthma attack. Very few asthmatics understand that asthma is an episodic condition which varies between symptomatic and asymptomatic periods. The asymptomatic period is a crucial time in asthma therapy as the patient may discontinue treatment assuming that he/she may not require any more medication”.

Commenting on the scenario of poor asthma control in India, Dr Vishwas Sharma said,”The paradox of asthma in India is that despite the availability and affordability of world class treatment , this totally controllable disease is depriving the asthmatics in the country of a normal life ; many a times subjecting them to traumatic attacks , hospitalization and even resulting in deaths. The most effective asthma treatment is inhalation therapy which comprises of 'controllers ' for regular use as prescribed and 'Relievers ' for emergency treatment. However, unfortunately patients in India have a psychological barrier to inhalers and feel that inhalers are the last resource and could be addictive. They need to be educated about inhalers being the safest and most effective for managing their asthma”.

Asthma has evolved as the most common chronic disease in children and today 1 out of 10 children in India has asthma. Commenting on asthma control among children , Dr Vishwas Sharma said,” Initiation of inhalation therapy in an asthmatic child at the earliest helps in controlling the disease, prevents attacks, preserves the function of his /her lungs and also improves the overall quality of life. However currently many asthmatic children in the country are treated with oral medications due to lack of understanding and acceptance towards inhaled medicines.

He further added, “In such cases, therefore a doctor might have to take out additional time for the child and his /her parents as it is of utmost importance that the parent learns from the doctor the correct inhaler techniques to deliver the medicine. If diagnosed and treated early, an asthmatic child can lead a completely normal childhood.”

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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