Did you know that 98 percent of Filipino asthma patients continue to lack proper treatment? According to the Global Asthma Report, an estimated 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma. In the Philippines, there are approximately 11 million or 1 out 10 Filipinos who suffer from this debilitating condition. Incurable, asthma burdens patients with restrictions that prevent them to live life to the fullest.
 |
| are you part of the 98% of patients who has uncontrolled asthma? |
A study covering the Asia Pacific showed that it is quite common for people to limit their activities due to asthma. In fact, an average of 44.7% of respondents reported that normal physical activity was compromised, and 37.9% were convinced that their choice of job or career was limited. On the other hand, 52.7% of the respondents said that sports and recreation were affected, and 37.6% believed their lifestyle was restricted while almost 50% reported sleep disturbances.
Dr. Melvin Pasay, a pulmonologist and GSK's Medical Affairs Manager, described asthma as "a recurring inflammatory disorder in the airways of breathing, which undergoes variable expiratory flow and reversible bronchoconstrictions. In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways."
 |
| doctors answer questions about asthma |
Some of the common symptoms are constant wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing often late at night or early in the morning. Triggers for asthma include dust, changes in weather (often cold), animals (pet hair in particular), exercise, tobacco smoke and stress.
"A lot of asthma patients have resigned and became ‘prisoners’ to their condition. Many seem to have created imaginary cages and locking themselves up with lifestyle restrictions. They are assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are inevitable consequences of having asthma - unaware that their condition can be controlled," observed Dr. Pasay.
 |
| doctors sign a pledge to help patients achieve asthma control |
