Rancagua.- Every May 06, Asthma World Day is commemorated, a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In the O’Higgins region, more than 21 thousand patients are under control in their Health centers, but it is estimated that around 91,400 people could live with asthma, diagnosed or not. This is equivalent to 10% of the regional population and reflects an important challenge for Primary Health Care (APS), which must reinforce active investigation and guarantee access to treatment.
As explained by the respiratory health advisor and Emergency Services of Primary Health Care of the O’Higgins Health Service, Christian Plaza, asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the respiratory tract and by Episodes of Broncoospasm, “which generates difficulty breathing, sensation of lack of air (dyspnea), cough and whistles when exhaling, especially at night or during the year”. Although it is not preventable in its entirety, asthmatic crises can be avoided with good medical management, control of environmental factors and adequate adhesion to treatment.
Alert signals include persistent, especially nocturnal cough, wheezing, fatigue when performing physical activities and dyspnea, adds place. These symptoms can be intensified with temperature changes, exposure to allergens, pollution or respiratory infections such as acute bronchitis.
Main triggers
-Cold air, common in autumn and winter, is one of the main triggers of asthmatic crises, since it irritates the airways. Therefore, “this season it is essential to maintain the treatment, avoid the smoke of tobacco, ventilate the closed spaces, use mask if there is high pollution and avoid outdoor exercise on days with poor air quality,” recommends the advisor.
Asthma can be confused with other respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or COPD. Therefore, an accurate medical diagnosis is key, especially in children and older adults. In the little ones, this disease can interfere with the game, sleep and school performance, while in the elderly, it usually aggravates coexistence with other pathologies and a lower respiratory capacity.
While asthma has no cure, with treatment and education about self -care, most people can lead an active and normal life. The challenge for the health system is double: on the one hand, identify those who have not been diagnosed; and on the other, ensure continuous monitoring and access to medications, especially in rural areas or with lower medical infrastructure.
