9 May 2019 This inflammation causes obstruction, narrowing, edema of the airways, increased mucus production and an excessive reactivity of the bronchi to different stimuli. Asthma is a very common disease. About one in 10 people in Western countries can develop asthma in their lifetime. Asthma affects about 700 thousand Portuguese (data from the National Asthma Prevalence Survey). Asthma affects all age groups, and can occur from the child in early childhood, to the elderly. Uncontrolled asthma is associated with: Decreased quality of life; Missed school and work; Direct and indirect, personal and social costs; Hospitalisation Possible death. In Portugal, about half of asthma patients have their disease uncontrolled . Missed school for children and absences from work for their caregivers are three times higher in children with uncontrolled asthma , compared to those whose asthma is controlled. The authors of this text are the following allergologists from the Hospital da Luz network: Luís Miguel Borrego, Ana Morais Mendes, Ana Reis Ferreira, Andreia Ferrão, Carlos Braga, Cristina Lopes, Diana Pereira da Silva, Filipa Semedo, Isabel Costa Silva, João Gaspar Marques, Pedro Carreiro Martins, Marta Salgado, Nuno Sousa, Rosa Anita Fernandes, Susana Piedade The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
