NCD Watch

Asthma Awareness

29 Dec 2017 (Fri)

Asthma Awareness Asthma is a common chronic lower respiratory disease, characterised by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night and in the early morning. In Hong Kong, a territory-wide household survey in 2014 reported that about 68 000 persons (or 1.0 % of total population) had asthma as told by practitioners of Western medicine.

The cause of asthma is still not fully understood. There are however a number of recognised risk factors and triggers of asthma, and some of them are avoidable. For examples, it is well-documented that active or passive smoking exacerbates asthma. While maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the asthma risk for the child, smoking during childhood is an important risk factor for asthma in adolescence. In adults, the risk of developing asthma is significantly higher among current smokers and ex-smokers compared with those who have never smoked. Studies also show a modest association between asthma and adiposity. Compared with normal weight children, overweight and obese children would have a respective 35% and 50% increased risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma. Overweight or obese adults as a whole would also be more likely to develop asthma than normal weight adults.

Furthermore, people with a family history of asthma are more likely to develop the disease. Common environmental triggers are indoor or outdoor allergens (such as house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture) and air pollution (such as tobacco smoke). Other triggers can also include certain foods (such as shellfish) and additives, respiratory tract infections (such as influenza), cold air, extreme emotional arousal, strenuous physical activities and certain medications (such as aspirin).

While asthma has no cure yet, there is evidence that breastfeeding in early life is protective for childhood asthma. Besides, the disease is treatable and its symptoms can be controlled. Good management generally involves identifying and avoiding asthma triggers, tracking the symptoms and lung function, taking asthma control medications as prescribed, and working in partnership with family doctor and other healthcare professionals to monitor disease progress and adjust treatment regime accordingly. Besides, taking the ‘wellness approach’ can help maintain overall health and lessen the possibility of asthma attacks. This includes no smoking, eating a balanced diet (with sufficient amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables), maintaining an adequate level of physical activity, maintaining an optimal body weight, getting enough sleep and rest, managing stress and being cheerful, and getting appropriate vaccinations (such as vaccination against influenza).

For asthmatics, below are some tips for exercising:

  • Check with family doctor that their asthma is well-controlled, or get a customised exercise prescription;
  • Consult family doctor about taking asthma medication prior to exercise;
  • Choose suitable type(s) of exercise. Use a stepwise approach and start slowly. Know the body’s limit and do not overdo it.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors when weather is cold or level of ambient air pollution is high;
  • Exercise with family, friends or other people and make sure they know that you have asthma;
  • Always have the reliever inhaler at hand during exercise as prescribed;
  • If symptoms occur during exercise, stop, and seek medical care at once if symptoms worsen.