Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic illness amongst South African children, and it’s on the rise, with an increase in severe symptoms, according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. On top of this, the Global Asthma Report 2018 ranked South Africa 25th for asthma, and fifth for asthma mortality, with an estimated 18.5 deaths a year for every 10 000 asthma cases – one of the highest death rates in the world, despite substantial reductions in mortality over the past 10 years. The report noted that “lack of appropriate diagnosis, treatment or access to care may be important considerations in tackling asthma morbidity and mortality in South Africa”.
What is asthma?
Asthma is the result of narrowing of the airways in your lungs, because of inflammation and swelling of the lining, an increase in sticky mucous secretions in the airways, and the inflammation causing muscles to go into spasm.
What are the signs of asthma?
Persistent or recurrent coughing, mostly at night and when you’re active, wheezing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
What are the causes of asthma?
The exact cause of the asthmatic process is still not well understood, says the National Asthma Education Programme (NAEP). It’s thought to be triggered by an allergy or when the lungs are irritated by something in the air. Attacks can be triggered by a viral cold or flu, but the most common triggers are allergies to airborne particles of house-dust mites, grass or tree pollens, fungal spores, and skin flakes (dander) from pets; air pollution, especially from cooking and heating fires, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes; and certain commonly used medicines, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tables, beta blockers for heart disease and glaucoma, and some cold and flu remedies. NAEP exco member, paediatric pulmonologist Professor Refiloe Masekela, reports that recent studies have shown asthma to be present in both urban and rural areas, almost equally.
Asthma treatments
Asthma is a chronic condition, and though it can’t be cured, it’s one of the easiest to manage:
1. Get your doctor to draw up an action plan of medications and what to do in an emergency. When you are symptom-free you, will still need regular controller medication; when you have mild symptoms, you will need a reliever inhaler to open airways; and when you have severe symptoms, you may need additional medication such as cortico-steroids and professional help.
2. Avoid triggers. “Flu shots are recommended, and more so now with Covid-19 as a possible co-infection in the current season,” says Masekela.
3. Watch your weight. Staying a healthy weight puts less strain on your heart and lungs, so eat sensibly, she says.
4. Get active. Regular workouts will help you cope better by strengthening muscles, boosting your immune system, and controlling your weight. But keep you inhaler with you at all times.
For more information, contact NEAP: 021 830 5937, 086 537 7156, [email protected], asthmasa.org
Also read: How to treat seasonal allergies in adults and children
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