Survey shows Malaysians treating asthma lightly

KUALA LUMPUR: A survey has found that asthma sufferers in Malaysia tend to ignore their condition in order to feel normal and to fit in with friends.

The survey by Realise Asia stated that 93% out of 151 respondents believed that their condition is not serious, despite worsening symptoms and continual attacks.

This is in contrast to reality, which showed that only 28% of the respondents have it under control.

Half of the respondents found using the inhaler a nuisance, and 25% even ignored their doctors’ instructions on how and when to use it.

As a result, they do not take the necessary medication or precautions to prevent further episodes.

This is reflected in the numbers, which showed 62% of respondents had woken up at night by asthma symptoms while 40% of them required emergency hospital treatment in the past year.

Realise (Recognise Asthma and Link to Symptoms and Experience) Asia is a large survey of asthma patients which aims at assessing patients’ attitude about asthma and behaviours associated with the condition.

It was conducted on 2,467 asthmatics between December 2013 and February last year across eight Asian countries.

The lackadaisical attitude Malay­sian asthmatics had towards their condition would turn a manageable condition into a medical emergency, said Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Abdul Muttalif, director of the Institute of Res­pi­ratory Medicine.

“If we ask them how they are doing, they would say they are fine, even when they are not,” said Dr Abdul Razak, who is also a senior consultant chest physician.

He told reporters at the Realise Asia Survey media briefing that asthmatics who believe their condition was under control would most likely not be taking the medication needed to prevent serious attacks.

They could also be ignoring symptoms of attacks.

“Patients need to talk to their doctors about ways to manage their condition,” he said.

Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

The severity of symptoms differ from person to person but occasionally, symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

Prolonged coughing without fever, particularly at night or early morning is a strong symptom of asthma.

Dr Abdul Razak said many asthmatics did not manage their condition effectively due to lack of awareness or financial problems.

He said education on the condition was not only important for patients but their doctors.

Doctors also need to learn how to manage asthma patients and know how to convince them that the condition is life-long thus requiring long-term medical care.

“Failing to do so may cause patients to take their medication only for a certain time pe­­riod,” he said.

He said government clinics provided asthma medication at a minimal cost.

However, many preferred to go to private clinics because they wanted quick service.

“But when they hear of the price, they will say it is expensive and refuse to buy it.

“Another public misperception is about the usage of corticosteroids in treating asthma.

“The amount of steroids in inhalers is the most minimum dosage. It is nothing compared to regular cough medicine, and the side effects are very little too. Steroids are useful in treating many inflammation-causing diseases, not just asthma. It has to be taken as needed,” said Dr Abdul Razak. — Bernama