Proper management of asthma conditions and education on asthma is vital for patients said Fiji’s National Advisor for non-communicable diseases, Dr Isimeli Tukana.
Asthma is a condition where people have sensitive airways which react to triggers such as changes in weather, furry pets, colds, pollen, food allergies, and even exercise.
At the World Asthma Day celebrations held at the Fiji National University College of Medical Sciences, Dr Tukana informed medical students and practitioners that there are three emerging NCDs now in Fiji.
“These are cancer, rheumatic heart disease and asthma. While we are improving medical treatment of asthma, there is a need to get more dieticians and physiotherapists in our health system,” Dr Tukana said.
“We have a big problem of eating unhealthy food and the increase in NCDs is evident. We need to move away from the medical aspect of the disease and focus on the social aspect of patients.”
Dr Tukana added that doctors need to follow up on asthmatic patients when they visit the health centers.
Prevalence of asthma in Fiji is mostly for 14-20 year olds. Ninety-five percent of cases seen in all health facilities around Fiji are asthmatic patients and all health facilities have asthma stations.
Dr Tukana stressed that patients need to move away from depending on nebulizer treatment and focus on the management of their condition with proper diet and lifestyle changes.
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