Stockport Council, together with the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, are supporting World Asthma Day – today, Tuesday 5 May.
World Asthma Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), which aims at improving asthma awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and — ultimately — control.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the UK, affecting more than 5.4 million people. It is characterized by recurrent difficulties with breathing, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Additionally, people with asthma are at high risk of complications from flu. This is because people with asthma have swollen and sensitive airways, and the flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs.
To avoid falling sick, getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu vaccines in Stockport will become available from early October 2015.
Dr Donna Sager, Stockport Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health, said:
“Most people who suffer from asthma are able to live a full and active life if their condition is well managed, that’s why early diagnosis is important. Also, I’d encourage people with asthma to get a flu jab as soon as they become available to avoid serious illness.”
Cheadle GP Dr Stephen Gaduzo, who specialises in respiratory problems, said:
“Stockport has around 20,000 people with asthma and it’s vital that, along with their doctor and nurse, they learn to manage their condition properly because otherwise it can prove dangerous.
“Crucial to managing your asthma is knowing how to use your inhalers correctly. Make sure you know what your medications are for, take the preventer inhaler regularly and keep track of how much reliever medicine you are using. If you’re not sure about anything relating to your asthma, ask your GP or Practice Nurse at your next review. There are also some great videos on inhaler technique on the internet that are worth having a look at.”
For more information on asthma, please visit Asthma UK’s website www.asthma.org.uk and the inhaler technique videos on http://wires.wessexahsn.org.uk/video-series/inhaler-technique
For free, confidential and local advice on health and wellbeing visit www.healthystockport.co.uk or contact them on 0161 426 5085.
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