World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

Happy World Asthma Day! Do you know that asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Malaysia and it has been consistently on the rise. There are so many things to learn about how to manage asthma effectively at ‘Breathe Better’ event by Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca in conjunction of World Asthma Day at 1 Mont Kiara.

World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

The event was officiated by Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia, Dina Nadzir, Malaysian Singer, Radio Announcer, Actress, and Television Presenter; and Ashwini Saha, Country Medical Director and Asia Area Cardiovascular Metabolism Medical Therapeutic Area Lead, AstraZeneca. 

 World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara officiated by Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia, Dina Nadzir, Malaysian Singer, Radio Announcer, Actress, and Television Presenter; and Ashwini Saha, Country Medical Director and Asia Area Cardiovascular Metabolism Medical Therapeutic Area Lead, AstraZeneca

In Malaysia, the number of deaths due to asthma in 2014 was 1,700 cases. However, experts believe that the vast majority of deaths due to asthma can be avoided if early and proper treatment is given.

Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia

The Breathe Better campaign raises awareness about effectively managing asthma to prevent complications and improve people's quality of life. Themed ‘Take Control of Your Asthma’’, the campaign was aimed at educating the public on the importance of utilising controller medication for the management and treatment of asthma symptoms over the long term, rather than relying solely on reliever medication. 

Speaking on the Breathe Better campaign, Dr. Helmy said, “It is crucial to increase the knowledge and awareness of the public on how to manage asthma. Getting diagnosed early is vital in order to prevent attacks that can be both disabling and draining. Early and proper control with appropriate medication will not only prevent severe illness but improve one’s quality of life especially in the face of haze and ongoing risks of respiratory infections.”

World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

Asthma can be classified as mild, moderate and severe. Based on the severity, patients would require different types and dosage of medication to control their condition. Each level requires different types of treatment in asthma management. Severe asthmatic patients need special attention as they are more prone to having frequent asthmatic attacks despite being skillful at administering the inhaler correctly.

According to Dr. Helmy, public awareness towards the three different levels of severity is still low.  “It is important to remember that most patients with asthma can have a normal life with the right inhaled therapy. For a smaller group of patients with severe asthma, there are more personalized options which will require modification based on individual needs”, Dr. Helmy further explained.

Colouring competition during World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

The World Asthma Day 2023 celebration at 1 Mont Kiara featured educational games and an exhibition that showcases key educational messages about asthma, serving as a vital platform for the public to further understand and gain first-hand information of this respiratory disease. 

Colouring competition winners during World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

Colouring competition winners during World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

The event also included sessions on asthma sharing by local artist Dina, along with interactive gaming booths and a colouring competition to engage the younger participants. 

Asthma sharing by local artist Dina

Asthma Malaysia is a non-profitable organization with the mission to serve as a credible resource on asthma, to raise awareness of best standards of care and to empower patients in the management of their asthma.

Interactive games during World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara

For more information about World Asthma Day Celebration @ 1 Mont Kiara, please visit Asthma Malaysia Website, Facebook, and Instagram #AsthmaMalaysia #1montkiara #WorldAsthmaDay #AsthmaAwareness #health #AsthmaCareForAll