"Be in control and be Asthmalaya" GSK Commemorates World Asthma Day

I remember a classmate of mine in elementary school who had an asthma attack.  She had seizure episodes and difficulty of breathing. Then her nailbeds turned into blue. This incident happened inside the classroom, and we all panicked. I did not know what triggered the attack for I was young then. She was absent during the week, when she came back she looked sick and helpless. I remember her until now,  I wanted to know if she still lives or has  controlled her asthma ever since. That is why I am afraid of contacting the disease.

I used to work to in a hospital before. When I had allergy attacks, I frequented  Dr. Nanette Tiu's clinic. I still do up to this day. She is an Allergologist and a Pulmonology Pediatrician at Chinese General Hospital. I consider her a friend, I had a note tucked into my wallet, and I still remember it by heart. This is applicable to both asthmatic and have allergy to mites and dust. This works for me during those years, I know it will, for you too.

Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, (when you shop, ask the saleslady for this.) Do not allow pets in bedroom or on furniture. Remove carpets and stuffed toys from bedrooms. Avoid areas where people smoke. Avoid harsh cleaning products and chemicals. Reduce stress. Pay attention to air quality. Exercise indoors. Take control of your seasonal allergies. Make sure people around you know you have asthma.

According to the Global Asthma Report, an estimated 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma.¹ In the Philippines, approximately 11 Million or 1 out 10 Filipinos are suffering from this debilitating disease.² This incurable disease burdens patients with a sense of imprisonment and constant restraint preventing them to live their lives to the fullest.

ALL ABOUT ASTHMA
“Asthma is a recurring inflammatory disorder in the airways of breathing, which undergoes variable expiratory flow and reversible bronchoconstrictions. In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways”, shares Dr. Melvin Pasay, a pulmonologist and Medical Affairs Manager of GSK.

Common symptoms include constant wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing often late at night or early in the morning. Asthma can be triggered by dust, changes in weather (often cold), animals (pet hair in particular), exercise, tobacco smoke and stress.

Dr. Gio Barangan GSK Medical Director

The cause of asthma is unknown. However as shared by Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc. (PSAAI) President, Dr. Carmela Kasala, several predisposing factors to consider include genetic history (personal history or first degree relative) with asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema; weight and smoking history. “While there is also no known cure for asthma, this serious chronic disease can be controlled and effectively treated. By establishing a strong partnership between a patient and his doctor, results showed that asthma can be controlled” shares Dr. Kasala.

Dr Melvin Pasay GSK Medical Affairs Manager

Dr Carmela Kasala Pres of Phil Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc (PSAAI)

BURDEN OF HAVING ASTHMA
In the Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, a study showed that activity limitation caused by asthma has been quite prevalent. A mean of 44.7% of respondents reported that normal physical activity was compromised, and 37.9% believed that their choice of job or career was limited. A total of 52.7% of respondents said that sports and recreation were affected, and 37.6% believed their lifestyle was restricted while almost 50% reported sleep disturbances.³

Bing Salandanan GSK Group Product Manager

“A lot of asthma patients have resigned and became ‘prisoners’ to their condition. Many seem to have created imaginary cages and locking themselves up with lifestyle restrictions. They are assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are inevitable
consequences of having asthma – unaware that their condition can be controlled,” observes Dr. Pasay.


What is alarming is that 98 percent of Filipino asthma patients remain uncontrolled or only partly controlled.⁴

“This means that asthma patients will only use medication when they have attacks believing that as long as there are no attacks they will be okay. As such, they believe that it is enough that they have available medicines to be taken on an as-needed basis,” shares Dr. Sylvia Yang, World Asthma Day committee chair of Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP).

Regular visits and consultations with doctors likewise became less as children grew up and had lesser asthma attacks. Most are relying on peers, family and even online resources to provide limited information and possibly, sub-optimal treatment for their condition. This makes patients underestimate their condition leading to poor asthma control.

Cost of treatment is also a main consideration for compliance, but the truth is uncontrolled asthma can lead to higher odds of hospitalization and emergency room visits and become more expensive due to direct medical cost like hospitalization or medications and indirect cost like time lost from work, overall productivity or even premature death.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY
In celebration of World Asthma Day, an annual event organized by the “Global Initiative for Asthma” (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world, GSK Philippines unveils “ASTHMAlaya Ka Ba Talaga? campaign, a disease awareness initiative that also seeks to encourage asthma patients, to be more proactive in consulting their doctors on how they can achieve asthma control.asthmalaya (1)

So how do you know if you need asthma control? It’s easy, if you are an asthma patient who experiences daytime asthma symptoms (coughing or wheezing) more than twice a week, wakes up at night due to asthma, uses an asthma reliever more than twice a week or have any activity limitations due to asthma, you may have uncontrolled asthma and need to immediately consult your doctor.

The celebration was participated by advocates from Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) and the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc. (PSAAI) who are one with the advocacy of furthering awareness and urgency among patients to consult their doctors for proper asthma control.
As Dr. Pasay profoundly put it, “Our message is clear; “You don’t have to serve a life sentence of limitations because of Asthma, be in control and be ASTHMALAYA!”

For more updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma/, or for more in-depth information, you can check out GSK’s website. https://health.gsk.ph

References:
1) The Global Asthma Report 2014. Auckland, New Zealand: Global Asthma Network, 2014.
2) Varona, LL., et. al. Prevalence of Asthma Among Filipino Adults Based on the Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS). PJIM Vol 52 Num 4, Oct-Dec 2014
3) Lai, E. A. (2003). Asthma Control in the Asia Pacific Region: The Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific Study. J Allergy Clin Immunol , 265.
4) Wong, GWK, et. al. Pediatric asthma control in Asia: Phase 2 of the Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific (AIRIAP 2) survey. Allergy 68 (2013) 524-530

Angelica Panganiban and Regine Tolentino makes the BIG MOVE

Constipation is not the sort of medical condition that most people would want to talk about. In fact not many would admit that they have it. And in as much as they don’t want to talk about it, what many don’t know is that these sufferers have their own habits or routines that allow them to simply manage this silent troublemaker - but not really addressing it completely.

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc., through one of their Consumer Healthcare pillar brands, (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax  shed more light on constipation and how to treat this medical condition the right way on March 17, 2014 The Big Move campaign was held at the Ascott Hotel in Makati City. The event featured two of the country’s well renowned talents – “The Sexy, Young Actress and Comedian” Ms. Angelica Panganiban and “The Dance Diva” and successful businesswoman, Ms. Regine Tolentino. Dulcolax made more relevant to their silent sufferers by letting them share their experiences and how they deal with their constipation with the help of Dulcolax. 

The event also featured the Medical Manager for Consumer Healthcare of Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Melvin Pasay who de-mystified the myths and misconceptions surrounding constipation and the use of laxatives so that the silent sufferers understand that they need not suffer in silence more so suffer at all from constipation . He shared information on Dulcolax as the brand that offers a full range of stimulant laxatives, from Tablets, Suppositories to Syrup that targets the colon, resulting to the stimulation of the colon, and softening of the stool. This truly reinforces the expertise of Dulcolax given its efficacy and safety profiles and how it offers predictable results. No wonder it’s #1 in the market and has been present for more than 60 years, trusted by millions all over the world.

Furthermore, Dulcolax, through its brand manager, Ms. Jo-Ann Ramos highlighted the activities for the Big Move Campaign as she steps on the stage.

When asked about The Big Move Campaign she mentions, “We are very excited for this campaign and to have both Ms. Angelica and Ms. Regine join our team. It will be an exciting time for us because we know how they can help us change millions of lives for the better. Now our sufferers need not suffer in silence. They now have someone to relate with whether they’re young go-getters or multi-tasking moms. All they need to do is to see what Angelica and Regine are doing or saying in our Facebook page, Colon Care PH and realize that there is a way to move on from constipation. Both will offer tips, advice and many other things regarding management of constipation with Dulcolax, the Kontra Constipation Expert.”

With this launch, no one needs to suffer constipation alone or in silence. Why wait? Why endure the hassles of constipation? Make the Big Move to Dulcolax, the Kontra Constipation Expert4.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl) was first developed and distributed in 1952 in Germany , to provide relief to people suffering from constipation.  Since then the brand has grown to be the best-selling laxative in pharmacies worldwide1 and is now recognised by health specialists and consumers all over the world as one of the most trusted, reliable and effective of laxative brands.

How does Dulcolax work?

Being constipated often means feeling uncomfortable, bloated and unable to relax.  As such it is important to choose a laxative that works gently and effectively.  Each Dulcolax tablet (bisacodyl) has a "Comfort Coating" that prevents it from being dissolved until it reaches the colon.  There, the "Comfort Coating" dissolves, releasing Dulcolax's active ingredient right where it is needed.

 “Comfort Coating” mode of action over a period of 6 hours, dissolves finally in the colon

 It is in large and small intestine, shows where the laxative takes action.

• Helping to restart the body's natural rhythm

The active ingredients in Dulcolax's widely used and effective formula relieves constipation by stimulating the colon and so helping the body restart its natural rhythm,3 ensuring that the impact of constipation on the sufferers’ quality of life is minimised.  Furthermore, Dulcolax® gives sufferers peace of mind, as not only is it reliable and effective, it is also gentle to their body. 

• Effective overnight

Dulcolax tablets are effective within 6-12 hours and so it is recommended that tablets are taken before going to bed, providing relief from constipation the next morning.  This sits within the body’s natural rhythm and ‘waking up’ process, when many people feel it is a natural time to pass stools.  If symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought. 

Range/Formulations [adapt to only include those formulations available in your country]

Dulcolax formulations have been in development since the product was launched in 1952 to suit the individual needs of all constipation sufferers.  In the 1970s a new liquid format was launched with the active ingredient sodium picosulphate.  The Dulcolax range provides sufferers with a choice of convenient products with a good safety profile.3,5,7  These include: 

• Dulcolax Tablets have the special Dulcolax Comfort Coating, which ensures that the active ingredient, bisacodyl is released only in the colon where it is needed and is not affected by the acidic digestive juices of the stomach and the environment of the small intestine.  It dissolves only when it reaches an alkaline (non-acidic) environment: the colon.2  Milk or antacid products should be avoided an hour before or at the same time as taking Dulcolax® Tablets as they can dissolve the Comfort Coating too quickly.  For the same reason, Dulcolax® Tablets should never be crushed or chewed before swallowing, otherwise the "Comfort Coating" is destroyed.

• Dulcolax Suppositories (bisacodyl) are ideal for people seeking almost immediate relief from constipation but who have an aversion to swallowing their medicines.  They are reliably effective in 10 to 30 minutes,4 and are specially shaped so that they are easy to insert gently without causing pain.  Like the tablets, the active ingredient is bisacodyl and because it is effective only in the colon, it may be suitable for use during pregnancy.  

• Dulcolax SP (sodium picosulfate) the active ingredient is sodium picosulphate which ensures effective relief in 6 to 12 hours.4  The syrup comes in Tutti Fruity flavor that makes it easy-to-swallow, and can be precisely dosed according to individual needs.  

As with any medication, it is very important that the information on the pack and in the leaflet is carefully read.  A pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional should be consulted if there is any uncertainty about how to take any Dulcolax product.