Asthma Disorder Can Be Controlled with Proper Therapy

Dream - The number of asthma sufferers in Indonesia is quite high.  Based on data from the Ministry of Health in 2020 cited on the Ministry of Health's website, asthma is one of the most common diseases suffered by the Indonesian people.

By the end of 2020, the number of asthma sufferers in Indonesia was 4.5 percent of the total population of Indonesia, or more than 12 million. “Asthma is classified as a non-communicable disease, but asthma can arise due to habits and the surrounding environment,” said Dr. Eva Susanti, S.Kp., M.Kes, Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, in a Media Talk Show titled “Stop Dependency: Proper Inhaler, Relieve Asthma,” on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

“Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways caused by narrowing of the respiratory tract, resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness,” said Dr. H. Mohamad Yanuar Fajar, Sp.P., FISR, FAPSR, MARS, a Pulmonologist from the Indonesian Association of Pulmonologists, at the same event.

Asthma not only affects adults but can also affect young children. Asthma sufferers have more sensitive airways compared to normal individuals.

There are many factors that can trigger asthma, such as genetics and external factors. For example, when the lungs are exposed to triggers for asthma, the muscles in the airways will contract, causing the airways to narrow. In addition, mucus production also increases. The combination of these conditions causes asthma symptoms.

Symptoms of Asthma

Dr. Yanuar stated that not all asthma symptoms are related to asthma. People diagnosed with asthma must be based on a doctor's decision.

"In essence, asthma should be viewed continuously. Generally, asthmatic individuals have symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

For asthma, it can only be controlled and cannot be completely cured. According to Klikdokter.com, asthma treatment has two goals, which are to relieve symptoms and prevent symptoms from recurring. Asthma treatment must be adjusted based on the doctor's diagnosis and the patient's condition.

“Asthma treatment is divided into two parts: non-pharmacological therapy and pharmacological therapy,” said Dr. Yanuar.

Non-pharmacological therapy is therapy carried out by asthma sufferers without medication. In other words, the therapy focuses on paying more attention to the surrounding environment. The following are examples of non-pharmacological therapy:

• Do not keep furry animals
• Do not consume random foods or snacks
• Do not store cardboard boxes or easily dusty furniture in all rooms, especially in the bedroom
• Always change the cover cloth or curtains regularly
• Wash clothes in unused closets at least once every 2 months
• Regularly clean the air conditioner or air cooler every week

Pharmacological Therapy

In contrast to non-pharmacological therapy, pharmacological therapy is therapy or treatment carried out by asthma sufferers using medications. Broadly speaking, asthma treatment with pharmacological therapy is divided into two parts: reliever medication and controller medication. 

Reliever Medication

“Reliever medication is actually intended to relieve symptoms and is used in emergency situations,” said Dr. Yanuar. 

Reliever medication can be said to be a fast-acting medication in dealing with asthma. Examples of reliever medication are SABA (inhaler) and ICS or Formoterol. However, the excessive use of SABA can worsen the condition of asthma. 

“Perhaps when asthma occurs and is treated with SABA, the symptoms quickly subside, but actually, this is only temporary. The use of SABA inhalers only widens the airways, resulting in temporary relief,” said Dr. Yanuar. 

The use of reliever medication in the form of SABA is highly discouraged as a long-term medication. As for controller medication, it is medication consumed to treat inflammation in asthma.

The function of controller medication is to prevent asthma attacks. This medication is one of the mandatory and routine medications used every day. Examples of controller medication include ICS and LABA.

"The use of ICS or LABA is more recommended for asthma sufferers. This medication is lighter to use and is more preventive rather than curative," said Dr. Yanuar.

In 2020, the Global Initiatives for Asthma (GINA) recommended that all patients with a history of asthma, both adolescents and adults, can use therapy containing ICS (inhaled corticosteroids).

“All ICS or Formoterol therapies will differ in each patient, depending on the severity of the patient's asthma,” said Dr. Feddy, Medical Director of AstraZaneca Indonesia.

To maintain the quality of life of asthma patients, it is important to undergo regular check-ups. Obtain the appropriate therapy to reduce and prevent severe asthma attacks.

Report by Devi Tri Aprilianza