Dr Khalid Zahraldin Mohamed Esmail, Pediatric Pulmonologist at Hamad Medical Corporation. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
With a change in weather conditions, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has called on all members of the community to take necessary precautions against wind and dust wave, causing possible health risks such as sinus and respiratory allergies.
With asthma being a common respiratory problem in Qatar, among children, Dr Khalid Zahraldin Mohamed Esmail, Paediatric Pulmonology Consultant at HMC, said that hospital visits of children for asthma attacks peak during the beginning of summer and dust.
According to available data prevalence of asthma in Qatar is 19.8 percent, especially it is high among children.
Dr Esmail, insisted that parents should be vigilant about the triggers of asthma, to prevent from children falling sick.
“It is important to understand and avoid triggers, see the doctor for regular check-ups and work together to manage asthma, follow the personal written asthma action plan, developed with the doctor and use control medications, as prescribed, even when the child feel well,” he said speaking to media persons.
“Depending on how severe the asthma is, doctor may prescribe one or more types of asthma medicine. A reliever medicine relaxes the airway muscles and makes it easier to breathe when the child has asthma symptoms. A preventer medicine helps reduce inflammation in the airways. It should be taken every day, even when the child has no symptoms,” he added.
An asthma attack is when asthma symptoms begin, or worsen, and are sever enough to cause the person distress. The symptoms won’t go away by themselves and need treatment. An asthma attack can come on gradually (e.g. if a person gets a cold) or quickly (e.g. if a person inhales something they are allergic to, such as dust).
“Increased wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath can be symptoms of an asthma attack. To treat an asthma attack, parents should refer to the child’s written asthma action plan, if they have one. The plan will provide instructions about which medications they should take and other actions advised by their doctor,” said Dr Esmail.
He also highlighted that children should be kept safe and hydrated during the hot summer.
