Get smarter about asthma drive launched
Recognizing the importance of patient education in asthma management, the country’s top medical experts have launched a campaign to help Filipinos with asthma and their families become more knowledgeable about the disease and more equipped to live normal, productive lives.
The Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP), and Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) in partnership with AstraZeneca Philippines announced their collaboration, themed #mASTHMArunong, in line with the upcoming global celebration of World Asthma Day on May 1.
“Over 10 million Filipinos suffer from asthma, and globally the Philippines ranks ninth among countries with the highest number of asthmarelated deaths,” said Dr. Justin Chin, country president, AstraZeneca Philippines.
Dr. Leilanie Apostol-Nicodemus, PAFP national board member, underscored the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship in enhancing asthma diagnosis and management in the country.
“This important partnership can help patients and their families better understand the disease, facilitate treatment adherence, and dispel misconceptions about asthma,” Nicodemus said.
“Treatment generally includes the daily, long-term use of controller medications to keep asthma well controlled and reliever medications for as-needed symptom relief. Inhaled therapy is the preferred treatment in chil- dren five years and younger,” Dr. Rozaida Villon, head, PAPP asthma committee said.
Adults with asthma should work with their doctor. “Patients should avoid asthma triggers, use asthma medications properly and regularly, follow their asthma plan, and have regular follow-ups with their doctor,” Dr. Ma. Bella Siasoco, chair, PCCP Asthma Council said.
“Identifying asthma triggers and avoiding them is key to minimizing flare-ups and improving patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Victoria ChatoAndeza, head of the PSAAI Bronchial Asthma, Respiratory Allergy Council.
AstraZeneca Philippines’ support for the #mASTHMArunong patient education campaign is part of the “Healthy Lung Program.”
Healthy Lung is a regionwide initiative in Asia between AstraZeneca and local partners to help ensure that people with respiratory diseases have access to the care they need.