Better education could improve lives of UAE asthmatics



DUBAI // Improving partnerships between doctors and patients can help asthmatics deal with their condition in the UAE and reduce emergency visits.

Respiratory specialists touring the region are attempting to improve knowledge and treatment of the chronic lung disease.

According to the latest Asthma Insights and Reality for the Gulf and Near East study, asthma morbidity is high because of an unacceptable level of reliance on emergency care.

The study showed 40 per cent of UAE asthmatics reported unscheduled emergency visits last year, with 64 per cent suffering sudden and severe attacks.

Doctors have stressed the importance of a long-term management plan, including the effectiveness of available medications, their safety and cost.

Dr Bassam Mahboub, Emirates Allergy and Respiratory Society vice head, said the latest information would help reduce the burden of asthma.

“Every two years we get a new strategy for asthma. This year there is more emphasis towards cutting down on exposure to smoking,” he said. “Early intervention is also a major part of this new advice, but that can be challenging.”

Asthmatics are asked to see a doctor every one to three months to check their inhaler use, and then every three to 12 months. Pregnant asthmatics should be checked every four to six weeks.

“The global message slightly differs from here in the UAE as there is a higher prevalence here than elsewhere,” said Dr Mahboub.

“We are still not using the proper messages and need to work on people who are not insured here, who cannot afford or do not have access to appropriate medication.”

nwebster@thenational.ae

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