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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
For World Asthma Day, therapeutic education is in the spotlight. Because yes, by learning more about asthma and how to manage it, a more peaceful life is possible.
In France, asthma affects more than 4 million people, causes more than 60,000 hospital stays each year and is responsible for around 900 deaths per year. A situation which, even when it does not reach this extreme, can considerably alter the quality of life of those who suffer from it, on a daily basis, at school, at work… Beyond treatment, the Asthma & allergies reminds us on this specific day that “therapeutic education” around asthma can also be of great help.
Therapeutic education, what is it?
As the association reveals, therapeutic education makes it possible to involve the patient in their care thanks to multi-disciplinary teams (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologists, expert patients, etc.).
It invites the patient to become capable of controlling their illness “by understanding it better in order to become an “actor” of it and no longer suffer from it”.
The objective is to achieve “balance” of asthma, by knowing as much as possible the triggers, the warning signs of the attack, the use and modes of action of medications helps to better control one’s asthma. This is learned in group or individual sessions, dedicated to adults or even children.
As such, the association provides list of structures therapeutic education in France. And for a complete presentation, see you on May 22 on the association Facebook page for a conference led by Professor Gilles Garcia, pulmonologist and Mr. Dorian Cherioux, expert asthma patient.
Smart inhalers, purifiers… technology for people with asthma
Today, technology also makes it possible to better manage, monitor and act on your asthma, tells us Dr. Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo. No more simple inhalers. New devices don’t let you down.
“Modern inhalers are now able to provide real-time data on medication usage, helping patients adhere to their prescription. Some models are equipped with sensors that record the date and time of each use, while others can even remind patients to take their medication.”
Good news as 6 out of 10 people suffer from insufficiently controlled asthma. Additionally, the data can be made available to the doctor and family members for effective monitoring. On the environmental side too, intelligent air purifiers can be installed in our interiors.
“Our homes are better and better insulated so we lock out polluted air. And since we spend on average more than 14 hours a day indoors, we can breathe potentially polluted air during that time: tiny particles of allergens, like pollen, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander. Air purifiers detect, filter and make life easier for people who suffer from asthma.
On the other hand, do not let yourself be seduced by bracelets supposed to energetically restore the soft tissues of the body. They claim to be effective in treating asthma and also promote a healthy immune system, but without any proof.
“Plus, they are worth 59 euros. Open the windows, vacuum, and consult a pulmonologist or allergist for a check-up, you will save €59 and above all you will be taken care of!” our expert reacts.