On the 7th of May every year - World Asthma Day, we stand together to raise awareness and empower individuals living with asthma. This year's theme, "Asthma Education Empowers," resonates deeply with us as pharmacists.
Did you know asthma affected over 260 million people globally in 2019? With over 450,000 deaths, most of which were preventable.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
While it's a chronic condition, with the right education and treatment, most people with asthma can live active, fulfilling lives.
Key Issues:
- Under or inaccurate diagnosis.
- Underuse of anti-inflammatory inhalers.
- Overuse of short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) inhalers.
- Poor recognition of patients needing specialist assessment.
As pharmacists, we play a key role in asthma education. Here's what I want to emphasize:
- Know Your Inhalers
There are two main types:
- Preventive inhalers (corticosteroids):
These reduce inflammation in your airways, helping prevent asthma attacks. They are the CORNERSTONE of asthma control. - Rescue inhalers (SABA):
These quickly open airways during an asthma attack, but shouldn’t be relied on heavily as a PRIMARY form of treatment.
- Use Your Inhalers Correctly:
Improper technique can reduce medication effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist to demonstrate the PROPER way to use your inhaler!
- Recognize Warning Signs:
If your rescue inhaler isn’t relieving symptoms or you experience worsening shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness, please seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Bonus tips!
• Identify and avoid triggers:
Dust, smoke, pollen – knowing what triggers your asthma helps you stay ahead of attacks.
• Develop an action plan:
Work with your doctor on a personalized plan to manage your asthma and know what to do during an attack.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions!
We pharmacists are here to be a MEDICAL INFORMATION HUB for you.
Let's work together to empower individuals with asthma to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Remember, education is key to effective asthma management. Together, with knowledge and action, we can control asthma.
#EmpowerYourBreath #AsthmaAwareness #PharmacyCare 🌿💊
