Bridging the Gap: Access and Asthma Awareness
In Argentina, nearly 3.8 million people suffer from asthma awareness. But socioeconomic conditions impact unequal access to treatment and monitoring. The goal is to “bridge that gap” so that patients can live symptom-free.
Asthma Awareness Treatment
Asthma affects more than 340 million people worldwide. In Argentina, nearly 3.8 million people suffer from the disease. During World Asthma Week—which begins this Monday—the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine (AAMR) warns that one in three people affected in the country does not have their asthma awareness under control, despite the fact that if access to treatment and monitoring were guaranteed, they could live symptom-free lives.
“This is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs (the bronchi). The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, a feeling of chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing; they can occur several times a day or week, and in some cases worsen during physical activity or at night,” explained Walter Mattarucco, a pulmonologist and coordinator of the Immunology and Obstructive Diseases Section of the AAMR.
Although the cause of asthma awareness is unknown, the mechanisms that generate inflammation are known. In addition to genetic predisposition, various factors in daily life, especially during childhood, increase the risk of developing it and contribute to poor control. Home exposure to allergens, smoke (cigarette and/or wood smoke), environmental pollution, and viral infections can contribute to the later development of asthma, especially if these factors occur in the first three years of life. In many cases, these are preventable conditions that affect, to a greater extent, populations with low socioeconomic resources.
“All patients with asthma require appropriate treatment to achieve the best possible quality of life, perform well at work or school, and avoid repeated visits to emergency rooms or hospitalizations due to their illness,” Mattarucco noted. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 60% of asthma children miss school and experience an average loss of work productivity of 35%. “Our goal in the office when we see a person living with asthma is to ensure they feel well, are symptom-free, and can enjoy the same quality of life as someone who does not live with asthma and can perform daily activities without limitations,” the professional added.
As part of this Asthmas Week, the Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA) aims to “bridge the asthma awareness gap”: targeting equity in areas such as “providing access to diagnosis and treatment for different socioeconomic, ethnic, and age groups, both in developed countries and those with diverse needs”; “achieving interaction between all levels of health care (primary, secondary, and tertiary), covering all severities”; and “providing educational and informational materials to patients with asthma awareness so they can become decision-makers in their treatment.”
Another point, also echoed by the AAMR, focuses on educating healthcare personnel “to give importance to the condition, as well as to others, especially regarding adherence, inhaler use, and exacerbation detection.” On this matter, specialized entities warn that it is important because “there is a perception among the general population and also among some healthcare workers that asthma is solely a chronic disease.”
“There are disparities around the world regarding asthma information, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, we encourage patient participation as key decision-makers in the management of their condition and the sharing of their experiences as a way to help close the gaps in asthma,” the AAMR concluded.
