Fighting asthma needs a concerted effort

One in seven persons in the UAE suffers from asthma, according to health officials. And if one adds children who have wheezing conditions, one in five of us living here suffers from, or has early signs of, the lung disease.

In any language, that is a staggering statistics — and one that needs attention. Worldwide, asthma is one of the leading causes for hospitalisation of children. However, few are aware of the warning signs and symptoms of the disease — never mind knowing how to treat it when an attack occurs.

Dubai Healthcare Authority is trying to raise awareness on asthma and believes public education will go a long way towards dealing with the disease. For parents of children with the medical condition, seeing them struggle for breath is a terrifying sight. Steroid-based inhalers and medicines do improve the condition, but knowing what triggers the attacks is also vital in fighting the disease. Dusty conditions, allogens in the air or even aggressive physical activity can bring on an attack. School authorities need to be fully aware of the disease. Only by acting together can we all fight asthma.