Millions of Brazilians have the disease and it is estimated that only 10% have the disease under control
The most common chronic disease in the country, asthma affects more than 20 million Brazilians, according to the Ministry of Health. And it is estimated that between 3% and 10% have the severe form of the disease. To raise awareness of the importance of treatment, Estadão Blue Studio promoted, with the patronage of AstraZeneca, the Meet Point “The importance of diagnosing severe asthma”, which saw the participation of pulmonologist Mauro Gomes and Giulia Gamba, of Crônicos do Dia a Dia, and was moderated by journalist Rita Lisauskas.
“Asthma is a disease in which the bronchi, which are the channels that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs, become inflamed, swollen and hypersensitive,” explains Mauro Gomes. When they come into contact with dust, sudden changes in temperature, pollution, among other factors, people suffering from asthma can irritate the bronchial tubes and this leads to shortness of breath. There are cases considered mild – which occur when the person occasionally has a cough or fatigue beyond normal – even the most serious, which can lead to hospitalization and be fatal.
Contrary to what many think, asthma is not a passing disease, like the flu. It’s a chronic condition, requiring ongoing treatment – and one that shouldn’t be limited to moments of crisis. “People have crises, they treat that moment, they heal and think it was an occasional event. But asthma is a chronic condition that must be treated for life”, informs Giulia Gamba.
Pulmonologist Mauro Gomes says asthmatics need constant monitoring. “The vast majority will need medicine. The person with diabetes takes insulin. The person with high cholesterol, takes medicine every day because they know they might have a heart attack down the road. The person with asthma needs to have the idea that she needs regular care because she could have a life-threatening seizure,” she says.
Treatments, according to experts, vary. They range from inhalation remedies – the well-known firecrackers – to the so-called immunobiologicals – with which antibodies against the factors that cause asthma are built – and which are injectable and indicated in the most serious cases. “The drugs are safe, effective, and control the vast majority of patients with asthma as long as they’re used in the right dose and as often as it should be,” says Gomes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
