World Asthma Day - 5 May 2021

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, characterised by attacks of suffocation with difficulty in breathing out, often accompanied by bouts of dry coughing: the breath becomes wheezy. It's a common disease, and there are many triggers: allergies (house dust mites, cats, pollens, etc.), smoking, air pollution, irritants such as certain chemicals, etc.

There are several types of asthma, ranging from mild intermittent asthma to severe permanent asthma (uncommon). In the vast majority of cases, asthma can be controlled with appropriate medical care and treatment, and the patient's life can be made as comfortable as possible.

According to the World Health Organisation, asthma affects more than 339 million people worldwide, including 4 million in France.

Some preconceived ideas about asthma are false, such as the impossibility of taking part in sport or the need to follow a "strong" and very restrictive treatment... But in reality:

• Asthma is not just a childhood disease. It can occur at any age.
• Asthma is not contagious.
• Viral respiratory infections can induce asthma or cause attacks in existing asthma.
• Physical exercise is still possible. Well-controlledasthma is not a barrier to sporting activity.
• Smoking can "wake up" dormant asthma, or even make it worse.
• Asthma is often controlled with a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment that is not harmful to the body.

Asthma and COVID-19

Even during a COVID-19 epidemic, it is vital to continue treatment and medical supervision.

To avoid developing a severe form of COVID-19 infection, you are strongly advised to continue your usual asthma treatment and consult your GP.

Pneumology at Hôpital Privé la Casamance :

A pneumo-allergology team of 5 pulmonologists provides consultations, functional respiratory investigations, allergy assessments and follow-up for patients with asthma orother respiratory diseases.

The establishment's Comprehensive Medicine Unit also provides care and treatment for asthma and pulmonary pathologies.

You can make an appointment for a consultation or an examination directly on our website:

https://www.hopital-prive-lacasamance.fr/fr/medecins/specialites/id-47-pneumologie