950826

AKUH consultant

removes

misconceptions

about asthma

KARACHI: "There are many misconceptions among asthma patients and the general public regarding the prevention and treatment options for this disease", said Dr. Javaid Khan, a chest specialist and Consultant of Medicine at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

He was speaking on "Asthma" in the monthly series of health awareness programme "Signs, Symptoms and Care" organized by the AKUH, says an AKUH press release.

Dr. Javaid said that in the majority of asthma patients, it does not cause any major problems and regular prventive treatment can be very effective in reducing the frequency of attacks. Only a few patients who have a severe form of the disease require special attention. In some patients, particularly children, asthma goes away with time. About 50 percent of patients with childhood asthma do not get attacks in adult life.

He also said that there is a general miscorneption that the use of inhalers (pumps) in the treatment of asthma is habit forming, i.e. once inhalers are used, no other medicine would be effective. He said that this is not true and switching to other modes of delivery of medicine after using inhalers is not difficult at all.

Clearing another commonly held perception, Dr. Javaid Khan said that asthma is neither a hereditary nor a contagious disease. However, if one family member has this disease, incidence is slightly higher as compared to families with no history of asthma. Smoking should be strictly forbidden in patients suffering from this condition. Studies have confirmed that, if the parents smoke the children are at a higher risk of developing asthma.

Speaking about the diet for asthma patients, Dr. Javaid Khan said that there is no reason for unnecessary restricting any particular food item particularly rice, as most patients think. Patient should eat balance diet. Asthma is precipitated by agents which are inhaled and not what is taken by mouth.

Dr. Javaid said that a patient with bronchial asthma can take part in physical activities and sports. In fact, it is beneficial to take part in such activities. If the patient feels breathless during this activity, taking two puffs of inhaler can prevent this.