|
As the weather gets cooler, asthma sufferers in the UAE should be careful when they venture outdoors, according to Spanish pharmaceutical company Cinfa.
Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs, which causes breathing problems including coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and a feeling of tightness in the chest. The condition is widespread in the UAE, with the World Asthma Foundation estimating one in five children in the country suffer from the disease.
Continued construction and sandstorms in the region create huge amounts of dust in the air, which when inhaled can worsen asthma symptoms. Allergens like dust mites in humid areas are also triggers that asthmatics need to be aware of, while poorly maintained air-conditioning systems can create respiratory problems. Cooler weather conditions also worsen incidents of flu and other infections, which can also be triggers for asthma attacks.
While asthma is chronic and cannot be cured, with appropriate management the condition can be controlled and people can continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Sufferers are advised to follow prescribed courses medication and seek to avoid triggers of the condition.
“When the mercury dips, we all want to get outside and enjoy the weather conditions. That is a healthy thing to do but asthma sufferers need to remember to take precautions so that they can maintain a good quality of life,” said Dr. Ahmed El Hakim, Senior Advisor, Cinfa. “Sufferers should be cautious on bad weather days, when there is a lot of sand and dust in the air, make sure that they aren’t increasing their risk of catching flu or other infections, and, above all, always follow the course of treatment prescribed by their doctor.”
Asthma treatments fall into two types: long-term control medication to help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms and quick-relief treatments to relieve symptoms as and when they flare up. These relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways, allowing them to open wider and making it easier for the patient to breathe.
Long-term treatments may include a course of steroids, which work quickly and powerfully to help calm inflamed airways. Using an inhaler is the most common way of taking asthma medication as it takes the medicine directly into the patient’s lungs, and inhalers can be used to deliver either preventative treatment or relief. It’s very important that asthma sufferers are shown how to use their inhalers correctly and medical staff should always demonstrate and explain how to use them to patients.
Cinfa, which launched in the UAE in 2013 and plans to launch in Kuwait this year, has a long track record of providing affordable, accessible care across many therapeutic areas including respiratory, cardiovascular and anti-infectives.
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
