The truth about asthma: No cure, but can be controlled

Fact: According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 12 percent of the whole Filipino population suffers from a chronic inflammatory disease called asthma.

In an interview with “Pinoy MD,” pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Rolando dela Eva said that those who suffer from asthma usually experience hyper-responsiveness and an increase of secretion in the respiratory system. “Since the airtubes are swelling during an asthma attack, the phlegm accumulates and makes it hard for the air to reach the lungs,” Dr. dela Eva said.

If you or your loved one belong to this segment of the population, the “Ber” months may pose an added challenge for you.  Cold temperatures, especially during early morning and late evening, can cause allergens to spread, and in turn trigger asthma attacks. Meanwhile, hot and windy days causes pollen from plants and trees to spread in the air which, when inhaled, might also be harmful to asthma-sufferers.

Dr. dela Eva stressed that there is no definite cure for asthma, though the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks can be reduced. These are the most common causes of asthma:

Most common causes of asthma

1. Changing weather

Since both hot and cold temperatures serve as breeding ground for asthma triggers, fluctuating weather can increase the chances of allergens spreading.

2. Viral infection

Asthma may also be virus-induced. Viruses can contracted through contact with an infected person or surface.

3. Stress

Anxiety, tension, stress, or even too much laughing can causes asthma symptoms to intensify.

4. Food

The body’s allergic reaction to a certain food may also trigger asthma. The most common foods associated with allergies are nuts, poultry and dairy products, fish and shellfish.

5. Genetic condition

Most asthma cases are genetically inherited. Dr. dela Eva said that if both parents have asthma, there’s a 50% chance that their children will inherit the disease.

Asthma attacks can’t be permanently cured, but can be controlled. Here are some of the things you can do to control attacks, as suggested by Dr. dela Eva:

1) Avoid having pets at home.
2) Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C.
3) Avoid exposure to smoke, dust and pollen.
4) Wear a mask when going outdoors.
5) Make sure that bedsheets and pillows, are clean and changed frequently.

—Rica Fernandez/PF, GMA News