The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Region joins the observance of 2021 Asthma Week every second week of August by the virtue of Proclamation No. 442, series 1994.

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 300 million are affected by asthma worldwide and 250,000 mortality cases have been declared yearly?

Asthma is one of the most common lung condition distinguished by chronic inflammation in the airway which affects both adults and children. When asthma is administered, main functions of the lungs such as provision of oxygen to the blood and body, and release of carbon dioxide from the body are affected.

What happens to the airways when asthma attacks? Smooth muscles of the airways contract, wall and linings thicken and then become swollen, and mucus produce uncontrollably which results to narrowed or constricted airways then trapped air.

Asthma can be observed if these symptoms persist: coughing, wheezing (whistling sound produced while breathing), shortness of breath, and tightness of the chest. As such, substances that trigger development of asthma should be avoided specifically mold, dust mites, pollen, strong fragrances, secondhand smoking, air pollution, fury pets, cockroaches, weather changes, food allergens, viral respiratory infection, occupational exposure to chemicals, or dust. Additionally, children or adults that are overweight or obese are at risk of experiencing asthma.

As validated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people with moderate to severe asthma have higher possibility of getting hospitalized due to COVID-19 pandemic. Let us take extra precautionary measures especially that the delta variant of the virus has reached our localities.

Written by: NO I Nichole Loyola

References:
Philippine College of Chest Physicians . (2017). Accessed from http://philchest.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/F.-ASTHMA.pdf

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). People with Moderate to Severe Asthma. Accessed from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/asthma.html

Global Initiative for Asthma. (2021). 2021 GINA Report, Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. Accessed from https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GINA-Main-Report-2021-V2-WMS.pdf

Official Gazette. (n.d). Proclamation No. 442, s. 1994.

Accessed from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1994/08/10/proclamation-no-442-s-1994/