An Asthma Awareness Initiative in Thailand, in Support of "Promoting Knowledge and Understanding about Asthma: Breathe Easy, Live Fully: Towards Zero Asthma Deaths" event, aiming to reduce the death rate to zero
The Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Association of Thailand in collaboration with the Thoracic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage, the Thai Society of Pediatric Respiratory Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, under the support of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand and the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand together with leading agencies from the Ministry of Public Health, namely the National Health Security Office and the Department of Medical Services have held the press conference for the event "Breathe Easy, Live Fully: Towards Zero Asthma Deaths" on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the World Meeting Room, Grand Ballroom C, 23rd floor, Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok to support World Asthma Day 2024, which was designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Initiatives for Asthma (GINA). The aim is to raise awareness, provide correct information about asthma, and reduce the asthma death rate in Thailand to zero in ten years.
"Asthma is a prevalent global health challenge, warranting our utmost attention. As of 2019, there is an estimated 262 million individuals worldwide affected by Asthma, claiming more than 455,000 lives. In recognition of this unprecedented challenge, every year, the first Tuesday of May has been designated as World Asthma Day since 2008 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Initiatives for Asthma (GINA). World Asthma Day, which falls on 7 May this year, aims to raise awareness and foster effective asthma managemen
'Asthma' is characterised by chronic bronchial inflammation and manifests as heightened bronchial sensitivity to various triggers, including allergens, infections, and air pollutants. This heightened sensitivity prompts intermittent contraction of bronchial smooth muscles, leading to symptoms such as coughing, dyspnea, and respiratory distress. Recognisable signs of the condition include recurrent coughing fits, chest tightness, breathlessness, and wheezing, often triggered by factors like air pollution, allergens, viral infections, or physical exertion. While asthma is a chronic, non-communicable disease, it can be effectively managed and, in some cases, cured. Failure to adhere to prescribed treatments, however, poses life-threatening risks. Regrettably, misconceptions persist among many individuals, viewing asthma as incurable, fostering inconsistency in medication adherence among patients."
Dr. Hiroshi Chantaphakul, President of the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Association of Thailand, shares, "The project 'Breathe Easy, Live Fully: Towards Zero Asthma Deaths' is in active collaboration with partner organisations, including the Thoracic Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage, the Thai Society of Pediatric Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine which are under the support of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand and the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand, together with leading agencies of the Ministry of Public Health, namely the Health Security Office of Thailand and the Department of Medical Services. The allergy information on asthma patients in Thailand will be collected and tracked with support from the Information and Communication Technology Center Office of the Permanent Secretary. The Ministry of Public Health will analyse, plan and collaborate with supporting organisations to offer various guidelines for reducing the death rate from asthma to a minimum. We aim to decrease the death rate from asthma in Thailand to zero in ten years."
Patients with severe asthma requiring advanced treatment options, such as Biologics, can now avail themselves of these specialised medications with the recent approval by The Comptroller General's Department. Effective 2 May 2024, patients of government officials can access these treatments, heralding promising outcomes for severe asthma management. Additionally, complementary approaches, including lifestyle modifications such as avoidance of triggers and smoking cessation, alongside activities such as exercise, breathing exercises, stress reduction, and weight management, can alleviate symptoms. Encouraging patients to diligently monitor their symptoms and adhere to a personalised action plan for asthma control is paramount. Timely medical consultation is advised for any suspected exacerbations or concerning symptoms.
To show our unwavering support, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Company Limited is honoured to attend the 'Promoting Knowledge and Understanding about Asthma: Breathe Easy, Live Fully: Towards Zero Asthma Deaths' event organised by the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Association of Thailand, the National Health Security Office, and the Department of Medical Services. Our shared objective is to mitigate the risk of asthma-related fatalities through education, empowerment, and ensuring equitable access to appropriate treatment.