He asma affects 262 million people In the world and cause around 455,000 deaths Annual, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a Chronic disease characterized by one persistent inflammation and a narrowing of the airwayswhich causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and oppression in the chest.
Although it is a frequent condition, it is still surrounded by erroneous beliefs that hinder its diagnosistreatment and monitoring. The lack of precise information makes many people live for years with symptoms without knowing or without receiving the appropriate approach. “It is important to sensitize public opinion to clarify erroneous information and Do not stigmatize asthmatic people”, Stand out from WHO.
Every first Tuesday in the World Asthma day. This date seeks to sensitize the importance of controlling this pathology and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it. In this framework, health professionals emphasize the need for knock down the most frequent myths About the condition. Identifying these errors is not only key to patients, but also for their family, school and labor environments.
If there are no symptoms, it is not necessary to perform a treatment
One of the most common mistakes is to believe that the absence of symptoms means disappearance of the disease. But in asthma, the enemy is often invisible: the Inflammation of the airways You can continue present even when you do not manifest clinically.
Not attending Medical Appointments To control the condition, it can increase the possibilities of developing respiratory crisis In the future.
The use of inhaler only when there are visible symptoms is another extended, but incorrect idea. The International Guides They recommend an approach dual: Base treatment diary to control inflammation, and medication of rescue For specific moments.
“The prevention and the control In the long term they are the key to stop asthma attacks Before they begin, ”Clinic comments from May. The late approach not only exposes complications, but also reinforces the circle of Substimation of asthma as episodic disease.
Although in some cases, the symptoms of children they can be attenuated Over the years, this does not imply that the disease has disappeared. Can be “asleep” and reactivate in adulthood, especially before Environmental factors o infectious.
It is common to think that asthma only affects children, but this belief contributes to Difficulty diagnosing the disease in adults. Although it has a higher prevalence in childhood, it is not only the youngest.
In fact, symptoms may appear for the first time in adulthood, often confused with other respiratory disorders. This confusion leads to late detection, which hinders adequate treatment and control.
It is important that people with symptoms resort to experthow Pneumonologists o alergistasthat can adjust the treatment according to the patient’s needs and prevent serious complications.
The fear that physical activity triggers a crisis leads many to adopt the sedentary lifestyle. However, with controlled asthma, the exercise Not only is it possible, but recommended. Improve the lung capacity and the cardiovascular health.
-“In fact, exercise improves Respiratory capacity and the quality of life. Exist Medical Strategies To prevent symptoms during the activity, ”explained the Dr. Ricardo Del OlmoPneumonologist, Head of the Department of Diagnosis and Treatment of the María Ferrer Hospital.
A recurring concern is that Inhalers generate dependence. This is false. Medications do not generate addiction, and stop using them for fear of this can have serious consequences. Confusion can arise because they are used daily, but this does not imply an addictive relationship.
Some people think it’s just one minor discomfort. However, when it is not well controlled, it can affect multiple areas of life.
WHO experts expressed it as follows: “If it is not properly treated, it can cause Sleep disorders, tiredness during the day and problems of concentration. In addition, asthmatic people and their relatives are sometimes absent from school and the jobwhich has economic repercussions for family and society in general. ”
In Argentina, according to the ARGENTINE ASSOCIATION OF PATIENTS WITH ASMA (Reached):
- It is estimated that asthma has a 10% prevalence.
- Only the 50% of those who have this condition are diagnosed
- The disease is responsible for 400 deaths and 15,000 hospitalizations a year.
Although it may be related to allergiesit is actually a Chronic disease that involves one persistent inflammation of the respiratory tract. In many cases, the Immune system react exaggerated to certain triggerswhich causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow.
This process is known as Type 2 inflammationand they participate in it specific proteins that aggravate the obstruction of the respiratory tract, which makes breathing difficult.
The diagnosis of asthma It does not require complicated studies. It is done through medical recordphysical exam and a simple test called Spirometry.
According to Mayo Clinic experts, “this test offers estimates on the narrowing of the bronchi when verifying the amount of air you can exhale After a deep inhalation, as well as the speed with which you can exhale. ”
WHO also emphasizes that Early diagnosis and accessible is one of the keys to reduce Complications of the disease, especially in countries with less access to health.
Asthma It does not have a definitive curebut it can be controlled effectively. Many people manage to live No symptoms or restrictions through well -adjusted treatment.
As Clinic explained since May: “Asthma has no cure, but Your symptoms can be controlled. Since asthma usually changes over time, it is important that collaborators with the doctor to monitor the signs and symptoms and Adjust the treatment as necessary”.
In this sense, the objective is not to eliminate the disease, but prevent interfering in everyday life.
