Asthma – a look at a controllable disease

21 June is National Asthma Control Day in Portugal, so we chose to talk about this disease this week. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchi, and because it is debilitating and has no cure, it is a major public health concern. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for asthma and, although RC REDOL is an international intermediary of molecules for the therapy of this pathology, this article addresses several ways to achieve a better quality of life for asthma sufferers. Read more below.

Asthma has symptoms that affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it and can even be fatal if left untreated. These symptoms range from mild to severe, such as difficulty performing everyday tasks, persistent dry cough, wheezing, tiredness, and shortness of breath. It is therefore imperative to control the disease in order to guarantee a good quality of life and well-being.

In fact, there are several factors that influence this condition. For example, most asthmatic patients present other allergy-related signs in the nose, eyes, or skin. Also, allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for the disease and the airways are a very reactive area. Therefore, when faced with certain stimuli, the bronchi become obstructed and the symptoms of the disease appear.

As we have said, patients can take pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures to reduce the frequency and intensity of asthmatic attacks. Non-pharmacological treatment primarily involves a lifestyle that promotes respiratory well-being. Here, it is important to stop smoking, do breathing exercises, promote physical activity and a healthy diet, and lose excess weight. There are also specific practices that can help, such as environmental exposure, managing emotional stress, reducing exposure to household or occupational allergens, and avoiding taking medications known to exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Pharmacologically, the management of the disease involves anti-inflammatory medication. According to the current GINA 2023 guideline, “Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention”, the preferred treatment for adults and adolescents is inhaled corticosteroids accompanied by formoterol or another bronchodilator. In this context, RC REDOL is an international intermediary for the trade of several molecules for the treatment of asthma, namely: a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol, formoterol, mometasone, and beclomethasone dipropionate.

Asthma affects individuals of all ages, but in children, it is the most common chronic disease. Also, figures from the World Health Organization point to an estimated 262 million people affected in 2019 worldwide, resulting in 455,000 deaths. These are indicators of the wide scope of the disease, a market opportunity for which RC REDOL provides various therapies. Contact us to learn more and introduce these drugs to your market with our experience and know-how.

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