June 24, 2013
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder.
According to study conducted in 2009, 300 million people around the world suffer from asthma and the figure is set to reach 400 million by 2025.
Asthma is caused by acute bronchospasm and chronic inflammation of the air passageway in the presence of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, animal fur and fungi.
Other allergens include cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, changes in the weather, toxic chemicals, viral infection, emotional problems, including anxiety and depression, and strenuous exercise. In fact, asthma can be triggered when one laughs.
THE SYMPTOMS
Asthma can affect a patient's well being.
Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Muttalif, a consultant chest physician, told Bernama that common symptoms of asthma include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.
Every year, 250,000 deaths related to asthma are reported.
"Although there have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of asthma, many people suffering from asthma have yet to keep their asthma in check using existing treatment methods," explained Dr Abdul Razak.
However, based on his observation, asthma is under control in Malaysia as effective remedies are easily available.
Dr Abdul Razak had served with the Royal Brompton in London in 1995, where he went for further training in respiratory medicine. And since 2011, he has been the director of the Institute of Respiratory Medicine.
"Only a patient can control oneself and the disorder," said Dr Abdul Razak.
According to a survey conducted by the Asthma Insight and Management in Europe and Canada (EUCAN AIM) in 2010, about 40 per cent of the people suffering from asthma could not take part in sports and recreation activities completely; their abilities were limited.
Worse still, one third of those suffering from asthma could not carry out their daily physical activities properly.
And about 20 percent of asthma patients missed work or school for an average of six days a year and their productivity was reduced by 40 percent when their symptoms peaked.
THE HOT SPELL
And the current hot spell in Malaysia exacerbates the asthma problem.
The changes in weather and the environment often trigger asthma, and breathing is tiring for sufferers.
Many are aware that the haze, like what is happening now in the region, too can exacerbate their asthma condition.
And the asthma could even effect major changes to one's emotional state.
This is among the reasons why asthma patients need close attention.
ASTHMA'S PATHWAY
During childhood, boys are more likely to suffer from asthma, and in adulthood, more women are prone to asthma.
According to Associate Professor Dr Roslina Abdul Manap, another chest consultant, asthma leads to huge economic losses. In Europe, about 17.7 billion Euro (RM71.5 billion) is spent to treat and manage asthma, and 3.8 billion Euro (or RM15.3 billion) of the total is outpatient treatment cost for asthma patients.
Dr Roslina said both relief and control medications should be used consistently by asthma patients as prescribed by doctors.
IS YOUR ASTHMA UNDER CONTROL?
"According to studies, many asthma patients harbour a false notion that their asthma is under control when in the real sense it is not. Every year, one in five asthma patients undergoes emergency intervention. And 6.7 per cent of them will have to put up in hospitals.
"About 41 per cent of the patients use inhalers for quick relief, at least once a week, to reduce the symptoms of asthma. If this data is anything to go by, it is important to seek the right treatment," noted Dr Roslina.
Asthma is a chronic disease without any permanent remedy, but patients can keep their asthma in check with a combination of relief and control medications.
According to Dr Roslina, the incidence of asthma has risen significantly over the last 40 years, and therefore, managing the disorder and symptoms effectively to enable one to lead a normal lifestyle is pertinent.
A new medication called Zenhale, a long term controller of asthma, is said to be suitable for those above the age of 12. However, this medication is not meant for those with acute bronchospasm.
The chest experts' parting words were, "Don't decide on your own remedy without consulting a doctor. Get the relief and control medications from doctors and avoid sharing them with others who are suffering from the same problem. This is because different patients have different treatment needs!" - Bernama, June 24, 2013
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