The Associated Press recently covered one of those odd news stories (June 8, 2011)that just makes absolutely no sense. Apparently thousands of asthma sufferers in Southern India who are seeking relief from severe asthma symptoms flock to Hyderabad to receive ‘treatment’ from the Goud family who claim their secret herbal formula originates from a Hindu saint from over 100 years ago.
Once the patient swallows the live fish, sardines, reports say, patients are instructed to begin a strict 45-day diet of 25 different foods, including lamb, rice, white sugar, dried mango and spinach.
The Associated Press states they must abstain from deep-fried food and repeat the treatment within two years.
Naturally, improving one’s diet and eating a balanced diet can help one’s overall health. But in creating a buzz for a raw fish ‘treatment’ is will most likely not have any effect on asthma sufferers’ relief.
So why do thousands of Indians who have asthma flock to this family’s home?
Probably because they’re have limited means and resources and doctors who know their patients can’t afford or have access to the pricy medications, may simply throw up their hands and advise asthma sufferers to think of asthma with a mind over matter philosophy.
According to a World Health Organization India report in 2004, some 57,000 deaths were attributed to asthma and other pulmonary complaints. Another study says average prevalence varies from state to state, with anywhere from 3.5% prevalence rates per 1,000 all the way up to over 15% per 1,000 depending on how broadly asthma is defined (to include allergies and other pulmonary complaints.)
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