World Asthma Awareness Day

The 2 May is World Asthma Day, a disease which is impairing the health of thousands of Western Cape kids. The prevalence of the disease is higher in South Africa than the average for Africa and the rest of the world. "The disease continues to grow at an alarming rate affecting 300 million people worldwide and killing 180 000 people every year. However, mortality due to asthma is preventable and the illness is treatable" Minister Uys said today after a visit to the Red Cross Children's Hospital.

Mr Uys says asthma - an allergic inflammation of the air tubes (airways) in the lungs - is a common illness in our province and effective therapy is freely available at all our facilities throughout the province. "World Asthma Day provides an excellent opportunity to highlight issues relating to asthma and to raise awareness amongst health care professionals, patients, families, the general public and policy makers. It may be the most common chronic illness in children in SA", he said.

Asthma is a severe, though very common disease, and has marked effects on the sufferers and their families. It has a big impact on the quality of life of children and causes restriction of their daily activities. Approximately 1 in 8 children in SA have asthma. It is the chronic disease most commonly causing absence from school.

But it is preventable and treatable, with the correct use of "preventer" ( used every day, whether the asthmatic is sick or healthy in order to stay well ) and "reliever" medication (used for emergency relief of symptoms and to open the chest ) and by avoiding triggers such as tobacco smoke, dust mites, pollen and cat and dog allergens. If parents notice that their children are short of breath, coughing, wheezing or suffering from closed chests, they must take them to one of the many clinics in the Western Cape.

Minister Uys said these symptoms are often worse at night, early morning and after activity or exercise. By using these pumps appropriately and avoiding triggers of asthma, asthmatic people, young and old, can lead completely normal lives. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be effectively treated and well controlled.

Reports from South and Southern African have suggested a substantial and rising asthma prevalence. The prevalence of exercise-induced asthma in urban and rural school children is rising, and the gap between the high prevalence in urban areas and lower prevalence in rural areas is diminishing. Although causes for this remain unknown, current theories implicate increasing urbanisation, reduction in the prevalence of childhood infections, change in diet and lifestyle, and increased exposure to allergens or pollutants.

Minister Uys praised health professionals at academic hospitals and other facilities in the Western Cape for the outstanding work they do to manage the disease and keep it under control.

Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape Department of Health
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
Email: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za