Help allows young asthma sufferer to breathe easier

Asthma sufferer Muhammad Moharam has Asthma Auckland to thank for his condition improving.

The 4-year-old was referred to the association after several visits to the hospital over the past year.

He suffered from hay fever and unknown allergies that Asthma Auckland, part of Asthma New Zealand Lung Association, helped to identify.

His father, Ahmed Moharam, says the support the family received from the association was a great experience.

‘‘Every time he had a cold or runny nose, he was always breathless,’’ he says. ‘‘You go to your GP when things need immediate attention. But you can go to Asthma Auckland for guidance, support, and on-going treatment. They have specialised knowledge and can offer a lot of advice.’’

More than 20 per cent of New Zealanders, including 25 per cent of New Zealand children, have asthma, a chronic condition of the airways inside the lungs, Asthma Auckland says. The association provides free advice, information, and products to families affected by the condition.

The service works alongside GPs to support local communities toward better health outcomes and help prevent long-term damage like chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease, which can arise as a result of uncontrolled asthma symptoms.

Asthma nurse educator Janet Delooze worked with the Moharam family after a hospital referral. She meets with clients to discuss their history and medication, and answer questions.

‘‘We also go over how their medication works and how to use it correctly and effectively, and develop an asthma action plan. This helps people know what symptoms to look for, instead of leaving it until they have to be hospitalised.

‘‘It’s about giving people the knowledge to control their asthma.’’

Delooze says asthma can be triggered by a number of factors, including cluttered bedrooms, beds by the window, pets and allergies.

‘‘You have to identify triggers and manage those, too.’’