Asthma cases up from 4.5pc to 6.4pc

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a marked increase in the number of asthmatic patients in the country over the years.

The prevalence of asthma has increased from 4.5 per cent in 2006 to 6.4 per cent in 2011.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Private Specialist Centre consultant respiratory physician Dr Mohd Ariff Mohd Zim said the National Health Morbidity Survey 2006 revealed that 4.5 per cent of Malaysians suffered from adult asthma and 7.14 per cent from childhood asthma.

“There were also cases of intermittent asthma (7.2 per cent), persistent asthma (25.8 per cent) and acute exacerbation (68 per cent),” he said at a Health Awareness Programme organised by Media Prima Bhd at Balai Berita, Jalan Riong, here yesterday.

Dr Ariff said the signs of an asthma attack were severe wheezing breathing in and out, coughing, rapid breathing, chest tightness or pressure and difficulty in talking.

“Exposure to irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include tobacco smoke, cats, exercise, changes in temperature, food additives, acid reflux, airborne substance (such as dust), respiratory infections, cold air, pollutants, medications or stress.”

The treatment of asthma, Dr Ariff said, involved using a “reliever inhaler”, a short-acting inhaler (usually blue) to relax the muscles and open up the airway or a “preventer inhaler” to stop the airway from becoming inflamed.

“Preventer inhalers contain steroids that decrease the number of attacks and saves lives. It must be used regularly and should only be stopped on the advice of medical professionals.”

He urged asthma patients to check their inhaler technique to ensure that they were taking their medications correctly.

Dr Ariff also stressed the need for people to quit smoking to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from developing.

COPD is a progressive but treatable disease that restricts patients’ lives over time, and is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world.

“COPD risk increases with smoking and ranges from 35 to 50 per cent. Those suffering from COPD should avoid second-hand smoke, air pollution, and areas with dust and chemical fumes.