Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder involving the airways and is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms. It is usually associated with airflow obstruction, inflammation, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Asthma is one of the most important chronic diseases worldwide and it affects individuals of all ages. Patients usually present with occasional episodes of asthma attacks, breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness. The allergen or precipitating factor causes airway hyper-responsiveness that leads to narrowing of the passages, causing obstruction of airflow.

There is a huge variation in the incidence rate of asthma geographically. While in the Asian continent, Pakistan [6] has an incidence rate of 15.8%.

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the Dominican Republic and its impact and burden on society and children’s development continues to rise. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of childhood asthma and its associated risk factors over a larger sample size in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This will provide a more reliable baseline data on the prevalence of asthma in the pediatric population in the Dominican Republic, which in turn can help improve policies, screening protocols, and guidelines for asthma detection and control.

Around 7.5 million Pakistani adults and 15 million children suffer from asthma due to the increasing urban population, enlarging intercity industries, air pollution and other environmental factors, disclosed a detailed research study conducted by doctors associated with the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

“Around five percent of adults of total population and ten percent of total child population suffer from asthma in Pakistan, and the last few decades have seen a growing increase in these numbers,” Dr. Nawal Salahuddin, associate professor of medicine at the AKUH, told Pakistan Today on the eve of World Asthma Day that is being observed on Tuesday (today).

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and it is characterized by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms vary over time, and from individual to individual.

“Correctly using anti-asthma medication and avoiding allergens is really the cornerstone of achieving control. Inhalers are the first line of treatment and are the safest way of delivering medicine to the lungs,” Irfan said, but lamented that many asthma patients have serious reservations over using inhaler therapy and avoid regular use of medications that have to be inhaled.

In Pakistan, there is great variation in reported asthma prevalence ranging from 4.3% to 31.58% in different areas. Indoor and outdoor air pollution in the region is representing a major cause of asthma.

Asthma cannot be cured, but could be controlled. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure, especially in infancy, to indoor allergens and a family history of asthma or allergy. Exposure to tobacco smoke and exposure to chemical irritants in the workplace are additional risk factors. Other risk factors include certain drugs, low birth weight and respiratory infection. The weather (cold air), extreme emotional expression and physical exercise can exacerbate asthma.

Urbanization appears to be correlated with an increase in asthma. The nature of the risk is unclear because studies have not taken into account indoor allergens although these have been identified as significant risk factors.

“When i have an asthma attack, i feel like a fish with no water”.

In Islamabad

About seven percent of Pakistan population is suffering from asthma and there might be an increase of about 20 to 25 percent within next 10 to 20 years, said Dr Khalid Waheed, chest and asthma specialist.

He said that asthma was a chronic disease of the lungs which causes breathing problems. Symptoms of asthma include breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms vary in frequency and severity, he said, adding when the symptoms were not under control, the airways can become inflamed making breathing difficult.

Whilst asthma cannot be cured, the symptoms can be controlled enabling people with asthma to live full lives. In case of asthma, external elements (allergins) cause difficulty in breathing due to disturbance in breathing pipe, he elaborated. Out of every 100 asthma patients, he said that 10 were children. He cautioned that there should not be carpet and cockroaches in the bedroom.

“Inhalers are the best option to control asthma,” he said, and suggested preventive inhalers in this regard. He dispelled the impression that bananas, rice, milk etc aggravate the disease. It is pertinent to mention here that May 3, being the Asthma Day, is being observed in Pakistan as well as across the world with aim to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma.

Symptoms

• Breathing problems
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

Asthma is Serious. Asthma is a serious disease, and can kill if it is not treated the right way. One large study showed that in the children who died of asthma, one third of them had mild disease! When it is treated the right way, people with asthma can live normal, active lives.

Electronic

BACKGROUND: Electronic media such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace), email, and text messaging could be useful in the management of asthma. However, patient use and preferences for electronic media in asthma management is currently unknown. Electronic media offers a novel way to improve asthma care. Email was the most preferred method, though text messaging and social media sites like Facebook may be appropriate for certain patients.

Apps: Asthma tracker, Asthma medication, Asthma protocols

Websites: Asthma and allergy foundation of asthma, Family allergy, Asthma center.

Channels: Asthma UK, Multi products Experts, AFP news agency.

The right medications for you depend on a

Number of things — your age, symptoms,

Asthma triggers and what works best to

Keep your asthma under control.

Preventive, long-term control medications reduce the inflammation in your airways that leads to symptoms. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. In some cases, allergy medications are necessary. Long-term asthma control medications, generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. These medications keep asthma under control on a day-to-day basis and make it less likely you’ll have an asthma attack. Types of long-term control medications

Quick-relief (rescue) medications are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack — or before exercise if your doctor recommends it. Allergy medications may help if your asthma is triggered or worsened by allergies. Taking steps to reduce your exposure asthma triggers is a key part of asthma control, including:

• Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning reduces the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors.
• Maintain optimal humidity. If you live in a damp climate, talk to your doctor about using a dehumidifier.
• Prevent mold spores. Clean damp areas in the bath, kitchen and around the house to keep mold spores from developing.
• Reduce pet dander.
• Clean your home at least once a week.
• Cover your nose and mouth if it’s cold out.
• Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Control heartburn and gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). You may need treatment for GERD before your asthma symptoms improve.

Alternative medicine

Certain alternative treatments may help with asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, as some may interact with medications you take.

Preparing for your appointment

You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to an allergist or a pulmonologist.Because appointments can be brief, and because there’s often a lot of ground to cover, it’s a good idea to be well-prepared. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your doctor.In Pakistan are several misconceptions and myths related to asthma attacks and their treatment in the country. For exam triggers for management of asthma. So following are some recommendations to control the increasing number of asthma patients in Pakistan.

1)Although International asthma management guidelines address almost all aspects of disease but it is felt that awareness campaigns and training programs for general practitioners and careers of asthmatic patients are needed, so that these can be used to reduce the morbidity and mortality in addition to improving the quality of life of asthmatic patients.

2) An extensive educational media campaign is required for awareness of the masses.

3) The burden of asthma can markedly be reduced using strategies that have been adapted to the local societal, economic and health care environments.

4) Poor compliance of guidelines is one of the major problems in treatment of asthma and lack of knowledge and understanding about the disease is the major reason for poor compliance. So an extensive effort on government level is required to control the number of asthmatics in Pakistan.

5) There is a need for the development of a common national strategy and action plan by the government to combat the rising dilemma.

6)It is also the responsibility of asthma experts and healthcare professionals to collaborate with government public health authorities and international organizations to improve efficiency in management and care of asthmatic persons in the community.

“Keep calm or you will trigger your asthma”

“Asthma such a breath taking experience”.