According to the World Health Organisation, about 235 million people suffer from asthma. Inhaled substances and particles that may irritate the airways or provoke allergic reactions have long been cited as the top risk factors for developing asthma.
Although the haze situation in our region has been improving over the years, it continues to plague the region yearly, making the air quality issue a very real one. Notably, increased air pollution owing to economic development is another culprit contributing to irritants in the air.
Dr Ong Kian Chung, respiratory physician at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, explains asthma and what to do when someone is having an asthma attack.