Though the first World Asthma Day was celebrated 17 years back to burst the myths around Asthma and to educate people about the correct medication, experts on Thursday said even after one and half decades patients are still not receptive about the disease and the need of right medication from the beginning.
Dr. D Behera, HOD, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine PGIMER says, “Asthma is a chronic disease which requires long-term treatment. Many patients once they feel better stop taking their inhalers. This can be dangerous since discontinuing treatment means stopping the very thing that is keeping them fit and healthy. Patients should consult their doctor on each and everything that stops them from not continuing inhalers rather than taking decision which can be dangerous.”
Commenting on the current scenario of Asthma, Dr. Behera says, “Every day I consult 7-10 patients that requires consultation not only for disease but for continuing the medicine.” It has been found that adherence to asthma medication regime is very poor and tends to falter after few months in both children and adults and the rate of non-adherence has been estimated to be around 70%.
Dr. S K Jindal, MD, Former Prof & Head Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, PGIMER says, “There are many reasons why patients stop inhalers. These include unnecessary concerns about the cost of medication, side effects, myths about inhaler devices and social stigmas. There are also several psychological barriers which lead to inhibitions such as dissatisfaction with healthcare professionals, inappropriate expectations and anger about one's condition.”