Public is encouraged to take control of asthma

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2: Some 9,000 people are affected by asthma in Bermuda and government, along with local organizations, are encouraging you to take control of the disease.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide.

It is characterized by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.

Yesterday marked World Asthma Day and a special health fair was organized by the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Open Airways and the Department of Health.

A display and information booth has been set up in the hospital lobby for this week.

Health Minister Zane DeSilva said: “Asthma is a common, disabling, disruptive, life threatening and treatable condition. The Global Initiative theme this year is ‘You Can Control Your Asthma’. The Department of Health is encouraging everyone who has asthma to take control and learn how to manage their asthma. See your doctor, make an appointment with an asthma nurse and get a personal Asthma Action Plan. No one need suffer with asthma.”

Liz Boden, Nurse Educator for Open Airways, added: “Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively treated.

“Research shows that with proper treatment, nearly all asthma patients can achieve and maintain good asthma control, enabling them to participate in school, work and other normal activities.”

While hospital admissions from asthma-related incidents are decreasing, the Emergency Department at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital reported handling over 2,029 cases of asthma last year. Half these cases were in children. Despite an increase in the number of people affected by asthma in most countries, Bermuda’s decline in hospitalizations since 1995 is the result of extensive education campaigns,
according to BHB.

Both the hospital and Open Airways offer asthma education and assessment and teach clients how to achieve the best results with the least amount of medication. The goal is developing self-management skills.

Patients who become informed decision-makers play an important role in reducing asthma-related incidents. Members of the public who experience uncontrolled asthma can contact Open Airways at 232-0264 or the BHB Asthma Education Centre at 239-1652.

The Asthma Education Centre handles 300 patient visits annually and provides clients with information on recognizing and understanding warning signals and asthma triggers, as well as how to avoid them. Patients are taught how to effectively take inhaled medications with minimal side effects and how to use a spacer. An Action Plan, or personal guideline for controlling asthma, teaches clients to evaluate their condition through breathing measurements or symptoms.