7.9-M Filipinos have asthma

If you have asthma, you’re not alone. Over 7.9 million Filipinos and about 12 million Americans have it.

Although today’s asthmatics can breathe easily with modern medicine’s arsenal of effective drugs, many are still confused about the disease. Compounding the problem is the presence of many myths that can interfere with treatment and worsen a sufferer’s condition.

Here are the more common myths followed by the facts:

• Children outgrow asthma. False. Children with asthma usually experience a reduction in symptoms as they grow into adulthood. But that doesn’t mean the disease won’t return later. So be wary of symptoms and seek medical help when necessary.

• Asthma does not kill. False. It kills 5,000 people yearly in the United States alone. So don’t make the mistake of ignoring the disease.

• Asthmatics can’t engage in sports. False. Many famous names in sports are asthmatics, including our very own champion swimmer Eric Buhain and basketball player Samboy Lim. Exercise is important for asthmatics. If the disease is controlled, you can excel in any sport.

• Home nebulizers are not practical. False. Nebulizers are electrically driven devices that can be used at home by people with severe asthma. They are recommended for the elderly, infants and young children who have difficulty with handheld metered dose inhalers and those who don’t respond to the former. These compressors are small versions of the equipment used in hospitals by respiratory therapists and deliver asthma medication to the patient via a face mask or a mouthpiece.

Aerosol therapy using the PulmoMist Personal Ultrasonic Nebulizer is a safe and effective way of treating asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary infections and other respiratory disorders. It works by reducing liquid medicines into a fine mist that penetrates deep into the lungs, thus giving relief.

The PulmoMist Personal Ultrasonic Nebulizer is ideal for travelers and those with active lifestyles. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, providing fast, quiet treatment anywhere. What’s more, it can be powered by rechargeable batteries or a car cigarette lighter.

For more information, call Medical Center Trading Corp. at 637-9504 or 631-1715 to 17.