7 warning signs of asthma

If you experience chest tightness, shortness of breath at night, wheezing, difficulty breathing when the weather changes, etc., you should get screened for asthma.

Recent statistics show that approximately 4% of Vietnam's population suffers from asthma, equivalent to about 3.5 million people. The number of cases is on the rise due to smoking and environmental pollution.

Asthma patients receiving treatment at the Clinical Allergy-Immunology Center, Bach Mai Hospital. Photo: N. Phuong.

Asthma causes extremely serious consequences for patients, with a high mortality rate despite the availability of effective treatments. Understanding of asthma among patients and some healthcare professionals remains low. Currently, only 5% of asthma patients have their condition completely controlled, and nearly 20% have it well controlled. Meanwhile, asthma is a disease that can be fully controlled, allowing patients to lead normal lives.

In response to World Asthma Day with the theme "You can control your own asthma," on April 25th, Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi) offered free asthma examinations and consultations. Patients were examined by doctors from the Clinical Allergy and Immunology Center, the Respiratory Center, and the Pediatrics Department. Peak flow measurements and respiratory function tests were performed. Those diagnosed with asthma received free medication.

You should see a doctor if you have at least one of the following risk factors: shortness of breath; cough, phlegm; wheezing; chest tightness; shortness of breath at night; shortness of breath when the weather changes; a personal or family history of allergies or allergic rhinitis.

According to VnExpress.