Suffering from recurrent cold or cough? It may be asthma

Asthma is a common disease in the UAE.

According to a Middle-East study that was conducted by doctors from Rashid Hospital, it is estimated that 14 per cent of the population suffers from asthma.

Shahid Afzal, pulmonologist at Rashid Hospital, emphasised in the weekly Twitter clinic that these statistics underline the importance of proper diagnosis of the disease.

On a yearly basis, the hospital treats more than 1,500 patients for asthma, of which 500 are cases of severe asthma.

However, in many cases the patient came late in the development of asthma, because it was not properly diagnosed.

“Many of our patients with allergies come to us much later on when their condition has worsened. They normally assume they have cold and cough and continue taking over-the-counter medications for an extended period of time," explained Hussain Talib Shabaan, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant at Dubai Hospital.

"Our message is that if people suffer from recurrent colds and coughs, excessive phlegm etc. they should visit an ENT specialist, who can then refer them to a pulmonologist if need be.”

Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Premnath Kannada, pulmonologist at Rashid Hospital, said that misdiagnosis of allergies is a major problem because studies point out that when allergies are not properly treated and diagnosed, they can lead to asthma.

“Almost 60 to 80 per cent of asthma patients have allergic rhinitis. Both diseases have to be treated together for better control of asthma."

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Afzal said: “Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled so that eventually the patient can reduce the number of medicines he takes and can lead an active life.

"Our aim is to ensure that patient’s quality of life is not compromised due to the illness. This is possible only if the patient is aware of the triggers and avoids those triggers and proper medications as advised by the doctor.

"It is important that patients regularly follow-up with their doctor so that they can track their signs and symptoms and adjust treatment accordingly.”

Dr Iyad Hamadi, ENT consultant at Dubai Hospital, said: “Diagnosing allergies early on, especially in children, will prevent recurrent hospital visits and will ensure the patient’s condition does not deteriorate further.”

People with asthma and allergies should stay away or try to minimise triggers such as perfumes, pollen, dust etc.

They should ensure that the ducts of the air-conditioning are cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dust and some fungal allergens.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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