Asthma on the rise from indoor lifestyle
It is the most common reason why children miss school and it is on the rise – asthma, an allergic condition that causes inflammation of the airways, is doubling in Maltese children. In 1995, 8.8 per cent of children aged six and seven suffered from...
It is the most common reason why children miss school and it is on the rise – asthma, an allergic condition that causes inflammation of the airways, is doubling in Maltese children.
In 1995, 8.8 per cent of children aged six and seven suffered from asthma but by 2002 this had gone up to 14.9 per cent.
Thirteen per cent of the population are estimated to suffer from this chronic disease, with two or three fatal cases a year, marking it as one of the highest incidence in Europe, according to the Malta Asthmatics Society.
A lifestyle that involves spending more time indoors is thought to be one of the factors for the rise in asthma.
“Children are staying at home more,” health promotion director Charmaine Gauci said, adding that most people “spend 90 per cent of their time indoors”.
The more we stay in, the more we are exposed to a plethora of asthma triggers concealed in our buildings, including higher levels of nitrogen. “Most of the common asthma triggers are found indoors.”
The top five culprits for causing asthma are, second-hand smoke, dust mite, mould, pets and cockroaches.
“Second hand smoke is particularly harmful to young children.” Cigarette smoke contains more than 40 carcinogenic substances and its particles stick to clothing: “It can affect a young child when held in arms,” Dr Gauci said, addressing a conference on World Asthma Day 2012.
Household products, such as bleach, spray deodorants, cleaning solvents, perfume, glue and drain openers can also spark off an attack.
An indoor lifestyle, however, is not the only cause of a rise in the incidence of asthma. Increasing levels of air pollutants such as ozone, sulphur and exhaust particles are also high risk factors.
Not all is doom and gloom, however. When controlled, asthma should not prevent anyone from leading a normal lifestyle, according to Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo, head of the University’s Department of Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
“A person whose asthma is well controlled should not have any sudden attacks, even when under physical or emotional stress.”
Treatment of asthma should be tailored to the lifestyle and not vice versa.
“Enjoy life to the full. Remember there are a number of Olympic level athletes who have asthma,” he said as he encouraged asthmatics to practise physical activity.
For information on asthma contact Maltese Asthmatics Society on 2180 6092.
Kristina Chetcuti
It is the most common reason why children miss school and it is on the rise – asthma, an allergic condition that causes inflammation of the airways, is doubling in Maltese children.
In 1995, 8.8 per cent of children aged six and seven suffered from asthma but by 2002 this had gone up to 14.9 per cent.
Thirteen per cent of the population are estimated to suffer from this chronic disease, with two or three fatal cases a year, marking it as one of the highest incidence in Europe, according to the Malta Asthmatics Society.
A lifestyle that involves spending more time indoors is thought to be one of the factors for the rise in asthma.
“Children are staying at home more,” health promotion director Charmaine Gauci said, adding that most people “spend 90 per cent of their time indoors”.
The more we stay in, the more we are exposed to a plethora of asthma triggers concealed in our buildings, including higher levels of nitrogen. “Most of the common asthma triggers are found indoors.”
The top five culprits are second hand smoke, dust mite, mould, pets and cockroaches.
“Second hand smoke is particularly harmful to young children.” Cigarette smoke contains more than 40 carcinogenic substances and its particles stick to clothing: “It can affect a young child when held in arms,” Dr Gauci said, addressing a conference on World Asthma Day 2012.
Household products, such as bleach, spray deodorants, cleaning solvents, perfume, glue and drain openers can also spark off an attack.
An indoor lifestyle, however, is not the only cause of a rise in the incidence of asthma. Increasing levels of air pollutants such as ozone, sulphur and exhaust particles are also high risk factors.
Not all is doom and gloom, however. When controlled, asthma should not prevent anyone from leading a normal lifestyle, according to Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo, head of the University’s Department of Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
“A person whose asthma is well controlled should not have any sudden attacks, even when under physical or emotional stress.”
Treatment of asthma should be tailored to the lifestyle and not vice versa. “Enjoy life to the full. Remember there are a number of Olympic level athletes who have asthma,” he said as he encouraged asthmatics to practise physical activity.
Controlling asthma
| Know as much as possible about your own body and about asthma itself. |
| Take the treatment as advised. |
| Identify what triggers an asthma attack so that you are able to prevent situations which precipitate asthma. Aim to prevent rather than treat. |
| Get to know the early signs of an asthma attack so you can respond quickly, do not just hope it will pass. |
For information on asthma contact Maltese Asthmatics Society on 2180 6092.