Breathe Free with asthma education initiative

The disease is characterised by varying degrees of severity of airflow limitation and chronic inflammation of the lungs. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.

"Asthma prevalence in Southern Africa is higher than any other area on the continent, with more than 20% of school children across the region suffering from this condition. In South Africa asthma is the third most common cause of hospital admissions of children, yet only 2% of asthmatics receive treatment," says Cipla Medpro Medical Director, Dr Nic de Jongh.

Breathe Free

To address this problem, Cipla Medpro recently launched its Asthma Education initiative, Breathe Free. The initiative, which follows the asthma treatment guidelines as set out by GINA and other reputable bodies, will serve to educate South Africans on this condition which affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Breathe Free clinics will be accessible at healthcare facilities and pharmacies nationwide.

Pulmonologist, Dr Justus Kilian says the high death rate of asthma sufferers in South Africa is likely to reflect the living conditions conducive to asthma aggravation.

"Asthma diagnosis and treatment is often inadequate, especially because there are many misconceptions about the disease and how it should be treated, one being that asthmatics usually outgrow the disease, however, asthmatic triggers can occur only later in life. Educating the public and patients will certainly encourage the adherence to action plans, which will lead to reporting of symptoms long before an emergency situation will develop," Kilian explains.

Kilian notes that it is important to understand the cause of the condition. "Asthma is a form of bronchitis caused by an allergic inflammation, which means that the bronchi and the lower airways of the respiratory system become inflamed to irritants and allergens. This response to irritants and allergens, which are largely influenced by genetics, can be triggered by environmental conditions, like pet dander, pollens, fungal spores, air pollution; and occupational exposures, such as spray painting."

Assistance and education

Through the Breathe Free initiative, individuals will be able to visit or be referred by their doctor to Breathe Free centres where healthcare staff will educate and advise patients on their condition; address symptoms and causes; teach the correct technique to use an asthma device and offer an asthma screening facility.

Visit www.breathefree.co.za to locate your Breathe Free centre.