Tackle your allergies at the earliest

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)An estimated 14 per cent of the population in the UAE suffer from asthma according to Dr Shahid Afzal a pulmonologist at Rashid Hospital who was quoting a Middle-East study done recently.

The doctor was discussing the details at the smart clinic held by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Thursday. The clinic discussed allergies asthma and their treatment.

Dr Shahid said that on a yearly basis the hospital treats more than 1500 patients for asthma of which 500 are cases of severe asthma.

Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing wheezing and shortness of breath. For some people asthma is a minor nuisance. For others it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Afzal said: "Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled so that eventually the patient can reduce the number of medicines he takes and can lead an active life. Our aim is to ensure that patient's quality of life is not compromised. This is possible only if the patient is aware of the triggers and avoids those triggers and proper medications as advised by the doctor."

Dr Premnath Kannada pulmonologist at Rashid Hospital said misdiagnosis of allergies is a major problem because studies point out that when allergies are not properly treated and diagnosed they can lead to asthma. "Almost 60 to 80 per cent of asthma patients have allergic rhinitis. Both diseases have to be treated together for better control of asthma."

Dr Hussain Talib Shabaan ear nose and throat (ENT) consultant at Dubai Hospital said: "Many of our patients with allergies come to us much later on when their condition has worsened. Our message is that if people suffer from recurrent colds and coughs or excessive phlegm they should visit an ENT specialist who can then refer them to a pulmonologist if need be."

Dr Iyad Hamadi ENT consultant at Dubai Hospital said: "Diagnosing allergies early on especially in children will prevent recurrent hospital visits and will ensure the patient's condition does not deteriorate further."