Asthma is a serious health problem which affects around 300 million people of all ages around the world. Five per cent of adults and ten per cent of children suffer from the disease in Pakistan. The number is on the rise, most likely due to the industrialisation and urbanisation, said health experts of Aga Khan University while speaking at an awareness session on the occasion of World Asthma Day.
Experts described asthma symptoms as breathlessness, cough, wheezing and chest discomfort. Genetics and environmental influences appear to play a major role in the development of asthma. However, people can get asthma even in the absence of known risk factors. Generally, asthma first manifests itself in childhood or adolescence but adult onset asthma can also occur.
‘Triggers’ that can set off asthma attacks include air pollution, tobacco smoke, pollen, dust mite, animal dander and chemical irritants in the workplace. Measures to avoid these triggers are an integral part of keeping asthma symptoms under control. Strategies include removal of carpets and pets from the living environment, avoidance of exposure to smoke and irritants and regular changes in bedding and drapes.
A thorough history and physical examination, supplemented by the use of spirometry testing (lung function test), is essential in establishing the diagnosis of asthma. Other medical conditions can be mistaken for asthma and it is important for the physician to assess for them prior to diagnosing asthma.
Dr Javaid Khan, Professor of Medicine said that medications, including inhalers, oral pills, allergy shots, other injectable drugs, and allergen avoidance constitute the mainstay of therapy. He emphasised the importance of using daily medications in patients with frequent (twice weekly or more) or night-time symptoms in order to establish and maintain control of the disease. “Inhalers continue to remain the most essential mode of asthma treatment, are safe to use and minimize side effects compared to systemic steroid therapy,” he added.
Pollution levels in almost all of Pakistan’s major cities are nearly 10 times higher than recommended as published by the WHO. Similarly, tobacco smoke pollution in Pakistani hotels and restaurants is 10 times more than acceptable amounts. Professor Khan emphasised the need to enforce Government laws that ban cigarette smoking in public places and keep vehicles with excessive exhaust fumes off the road.
On the occasion, Dr Gaffar Billoo, Professor, Department of Paediatrics, shared his experiences about managing asthma in children.
Other speakers included Dr Hashir Majid, Dr Murtaza Kazmi, Dr Muhammad Irfan, Dr Javed Hussain, Dr Saima Kamal, Mr Diler Khan and Ms Farzana Rafiq.