May 20, 2013
Better treatment can quell asthma symptoms
An expert in asthma is urging Māori to insist on getting proper treatment.
Its asthma awareness week, and Dr Tristam Ingham from Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou, a medical adviser to the Asthma Foundation, says it’s a condition that put almost 2000 Māori children in hospital last year.
He says Māori children tend to have more severe symptoms, and like the majority of sufferers, they are likely to be under-treated.
"If you or your child wake at night with a cough or a wheeze, if you are wheezing three or more times a week, using the level inhaler three or more times a week, then you are not well controlled and you should see your doctor about reviewing your medication because there are preventative treatments that can quell that inflammation that really is the cause of the symptoms," Dr Ingham says.
He says there has been a failure at the primary care level, as Māori are less likely to have been given a peak flow meter or asthma action plan by their health professional.
Making houses warm, dry and dust free can also help lower incidence of asthma.
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