In Vietnam, unpredictable weather raises risk of asthma attacks, especially in severe cases

Caution needed during seasonal transitions

Speaking at a recent seminar on severe asthma and treatment trends, Prof. Dr. Ngo Quy Chau, chairman of the Vietnam Respiratory Society, estimated that about 3.23 percent of Vietnam’s population live with asthma, of whom approximately 7-11 percent have severe asthma.

Although they account for a small proportion of all asthma patients, those with severe asthma face a higher risk of recurrent exacerbations, hospitalization, declining lung function, and a significantly reduced quality of life, he said.

Patients with severe asthma pay more than 70 percent of total asthma treatment costs.

Raising awareness, recognizing the disease’s characteristics early and improving the management of severe asthma are therefore important priorities in respiratory medicine.

Regarding the risk of asthma worsening during seasonal transitions, Dr. Nguyen Huu Truong, deputy director of the center of allergy and clinical immunology at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, said sudden exposure to cold or dry air can irritate the airways and cause bronchoconstriction in people with asthma.

Other triggers, such as respiratory infections, allergens or weather changes, can worsen airway inflammation.

Clinical experience shows that even people whose asthma has previously been well controlled can experience acute attacks after exposure to cold air, rain or other irritants.

People with asthma should therefore pay closer attention to disease control during seasonal transitions instead of waiting until they experience shortness of breath to take action.

Maintaining disease control

According to Dr. Truong, a common problem among asthma patients is that they stop taking medication on their own once their breathing improves.

Many believe that after using a reliever inhaler and finding it easier to breathe, their asthma is under control.

However, reliever medications mainly work by widening the airways and providing short-term symptom relief, while airway inflammation, a key mechanism underlying asthma, may persist.

Using only reliever medication while neglecting prescribed controller treatment can leave airway inflammation inadequately controlled, increasing the risk of exacerbations.

Patients need to understand the difference between reliever and controller medications.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), in particular, help control airway inflammation and reduce the risk of exacerbations.

The choice of medication, dosage, and treatment duration should be determined by a doctor based on each patient’s condition.

Alongside adherence to treatment, advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying asthma have also opened up new approaches for patients with severe disease.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thu Phuong, director of the institute of respiratory medicine at Bach Mai Hospital, said many countries had accumulated more than a decade of experience using targeted therapies for suitable patients with severe asthma.

Growing knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying the disease has also helped doctors identify asthma phenotypes and select appropriate treatment approaches for individual patients.

To reduce the risk of asthma attacks during seasonal transitions, patients should follow their prescribed treatment plans and not stop medication or change dosages on their own, even when symptoms have stabilized.

They should take medication at the prescribed dose and time and use inhalers correctly, while carrying reliever medication for use when needed, as directed.

Regular follow-up visits are also important, allowing doctors to assess disease control and lung function and adjust treatment when necessary.

Patients should also limit exposure to potential asthma triggers, including cigarette smoke, dust, chemicals, identified allergens, and cold air.

When going outdoors in the early morning or at night, they should dress appropriately to stay warm and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Maintaining hand hygiene, limiting contact with people who have respiratory infections and taking preventive measures against respiratory illnesses can also help reduce the risk of asthma attacks.