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Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Asthma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

There are many potential causes of asthma, including genetics, allergies, and air pollution. Symptoms can vary from mild shortness of breath to severe attacks that make it difficult to breathe. Asthma is diagnosed with a physical exam and by testing lung function. Treatment typically includes a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is caused by environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, and pet dander, and by genetic factors. It is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam and may be confirmed with tests that measure how well you breathe. Treatment includes medications to open the airways and control inflammation and avoid triggers. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

The cause of asthma is not known, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Risk factors for asthma include exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, pets, and dust mites. Asthma is diagnosed based on your symptoms and by doing a breathing test called spirometry. Treatment for asthma includes using medication (such as inhalers) to open the airways and prevent attacks, as well as avoiding triggers.

Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. Asthma is typically diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history. Treatment for asthma includes medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers.

The main symptom of asthma is wheezing. This is a high-pitched sound that you hear when you breathe out. Other symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can occur at any age but it most often starts during childhood or early adulthood. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with medicines and by avoiding things that trigger an attack. Treatment options include bronchodilators (drugs that open up the airways), and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Asthma has many potential causes, including genetics, allergies, and exposure to environmental factors such as air pollution. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. A diagnosis of asthma is made based on a person's medical history and a physical examination. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for asthma; it is typically managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some people with asthma also require regular use of an inhaler to keep their symptoms under control. Living with asthma can be challenging at times, but most people can lead full and active lives if they take the necessary steps to manage their condition

The cause of asthma is not known, but it is thought to involve both environmental and genetic factors. Cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches can all trigger asthma attacks. Diagnosis of asthma is made based on medical history and physical examination. Lung function tests (spirometry) are also often done. Treatment includes medications such as bronchodilators to open the airways and steroids to reduce inflammation, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the causes and symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common causes of asthma include exposure to allergens (such as pet dander, dust mites, or pollen), respiratory infections, air pollution, and smoke. Symptoms of asthma can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options for asthma may include medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, along with lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and exercising regularly.

There is not one answer to this question as asthma can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, genetics, smoke, and fumes. However, some of the most common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment

Asthma is characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, mucous production, and remodeling. It is a common disease, affecting about 300 million people worldwide. The cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of asthma is based on symptoms and the results of pulmonary function tests. Treatment for asthma includes medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers, as well as lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers.

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Only Health-Based Rewards: Why Wellness-Focused Incentives Drive Healthier Workplaces

Corporate rewards have traditionally focused on monetary incentives, gift cards or generic perks. However, organisations are increasingly realising that such rewards offer only short-lived motivation. Only health-based rewards, such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers, represent a more effective approach to corporate wellness by reinforcing healthy behaviours that deliver long-term benefits.

In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly among working professionals, aligning rewards with health outcomes is no longer optional.

What Are Health-Based Rewards?

Health-based rewards are incentives designed specifically to improve or support employee wellbeing.

They focus on:

physical health
mental wellbeing
preventive care
recovery and stress relief

Unlike cash incentives, they encourage repeated healthy actions.

Why Traditional Rewards Fall Short

Cash rewards and generic gifts:

provide temporary satisfaction
do not influence daily habits
fail to support long-term wellbeing

Behavioural studies show that incentives disconnected from health goals have limited preventive impact.

The Case for Only Health-Based Rewards

Health-based rewards directly reinforce behaviours such as:

regular physical activity
stress management
recovery and self-care
preventive health participation

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise incentives that promote sustained behaviour change.

Types of Effective Health-Based Rewards

Massages and Recovery Therapies

Massage therapy:

reduces muscle tension
lowers stress hormones
improves circulation

Monthly or quarterly massage rewards support physical and mental recovery.

Gym Bags and Fitness Gear

Practical fitness accessories:

encourage regular workouts
reduce barriers to exercise
promote active lifestyles

Visible gear reinforces identity as a health-conscious individual.

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers:

track steps, activity and sleep
create accountability
encourage daily movement

Data-driven feedback increases participation and motivation.

Psychological Impact of Health-Based Rewards

Health rewards create:

intrinsic motivation
positive habit reinforcement
long-term lifestyle shifts

Unlike cash, they associate rewards with self-care rather than consumption.

Impact on Employee Health Outcomes

Regular participation in wellness incentives leads to:

improved physical activity levels
reduced stress
better sleep patterns

ICMR data links activity-based interventions with lower lifestyle disease risk.

Benefits for Employers

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive health rewards reduce chronic disease burden over time.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees demonstrate:

better focus
fewer sick days
higher energy levels

Stronger Wellness Culture

Health-first rewards signal genuine organisational commitment.

EY-FICCI reports show preventive wellness programs deliver measurable ROI within 12–18 months.

Why Health-Based Rewards Work Better in India

Indian workplaces face:

long working hours
sedentary routines
high stress levels

Health rewards directly address these risks rather than ignoring them.

Aligning Rewards With Preventive Healthcare

Health-based rewards complement:

health screenings
fitness challenges
mental wellbeing programs

This integrated approach strengthens outcomes.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Reward Design

Effective programs:

avoid one-size-fits-all rewards
offer choice within health categories
ensure inclusivity

Poorly designed incentives reduce engagement.

Measuring Success of Health-Based Rewards

Success indicators include:

participation rates
health screening uptake
employee feedback
reduced absenteeism

Data-driven evaluation improves program effectiveness.

Long-Term Behaviour Change

Sustained wellness improvement requires:

consistency
reinforcement
meaningful incentives

Health-based rewards support gradual but lasting change.

Role of Leadership Support

Leadership participation:

increases credibility
boosts engagement
normalises wellness culture

When leaders embrace health rewards, employees follow.

Health-Based Rewards and Mental Wellbeing

Rewards such as massages and fitness trackers:

reduce burnout
improve mood
enhance resilience

Creating a Preventive Wellness Ecosystem

Only health-based rewards work best when combined with:

education
screenings
access to care

WHO emphasises integrated wellness ecosystems for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Only health-based rewards represent a strategic shift from short-term perks to long-term wellbeing investments. Incentives such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers actively promote healthy habits, reduce lifestyle disease risk and strengthen workplace wellness culture. By aligning rewards with preventive health goals, organisations create meaningful engagement, healthier employees and sustainable productivity gains. Health-focused incentives are not just rewards—they are tools for lasting wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workplace Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion and Incentives
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lancet – Behavioural Incentives and Preventive Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports
Statista – Employee Wellness Incentive Trends

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