Only 12% of asthma patients manage to control the disease, which can lead to death without adequate treatment
Asthma is a very common chronic condition. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), inflammation affecting the respiratory tract affects 235 million people worldwide. Its main symptoms are difficulty breathing, dry cough, shortness of breath, sensation of wheezing and tightness in the chest.
Causes of asthma
The disease manifests itself in the form of “crisis”. Therefore, its triggers and severity may differ from person to person. “Asthma does not have a single cause, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease,” says Rafael Futoshi, a pulmonologist at Nipo-Brasileiro Hospital (HNipo).
Among the main ones causes of asthmaaccording to the doctor, they are:
- Genetic and hereditary factors;
- Respiratory infections in childhood;
- Obesity;
- Allergies (dust, animal hair, pollen);
- Smoking (both individual, passive smoking and maternal smoking during pregnancy);
- Contact with mites and fungi;
- Strong odors;
- Smoke;
- Professional exhibitions.
“We can highlight air pollution, sudden climate changes in the world and contact with chemical gases as the main factors responsible for the increase in asthma cases,” adds the pulmonologist.
Treatment
Asthma treatment has three main goals: control symptoms, prevent attacks, and prevent the disease from worsening. Therefore, inadequately treated asthma patients are at greater risk of developing more severe episodes.
“This can lead to limited activity, loss of productivity at work and absences from school, worsening of the quality of life, frequent demand for healthcare services and loss of lung capacity,” emphasizes the specialist from the Nipo-Brasileiro Hospital (HNipo).
There are several treatment options available for asthma with oral and inhaled medications, which help control the disease. They also cause few side effects. Among the varieties available today, pulmonology highlights corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators.
In addition to medications, it is important to avoid the agents that trigger the crisis to avoid any risk. It is therefore recommended to keep the home environment clean, free of objects that facilitate the accumulation of dust, as well as to avoid inhaling fumes and strong odors.
Alert
Symptoms may be mild, but they may also worsen, requiring emergency treatment, as the disease can lead to death. According to DATASUS, in 2022, 83,155 hospital admissions due to the disease and 524 deaths were recorded in Brazil.
The data is alarming, especially since most adults cannot control the disease. According to the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tisiology (SBPT), only 12% of asthma patients have adequate asthma control.
“The main reasons are the lack of knowledge on the diagnosis of asthma, the difficulty in accessing health services and medicines and the abandonment of treatment after the improvement of symptoms”, concludes the doctor.
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.
