“Asthma is a disease that does not look at age: it affects the pediatric population, adolescents and adults. We are talking about 5-6% of the general population, therefore at least 3 million Italians. Of these, approximately 10% are affected by the severe form of the disease, which in addition to representing a challenge for the patient’s health, also has a significant impact from an economic point of view. Severe asthma, in fact, causes unscheduled visits, repeated visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations and, in very rare cases, even death. Despite the increasing disease, if the patient is well controlled and follows the therapy no activity is precluded. Asthma didn’t stop a champion like former footballer David Beckham from winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999.” Thus to Adnkronos Salute Paola Rogliani, full professor of Respiratory System Diseases and Uoc director of the Tor Vergata Polyclinic Foundation and president-elect of the Italian Pneumology Society (Sip-Irs) on the occasion of World Asthma Day, the theme at the center of a press conference promoted today at Palazzo Giustiniani on the initiative of Lega senator Roberto Marti.
“It must be said, however, that a child with asthma will not necessarily become an asthmatic adult – Rogliani points out – because as he grows up it is possible that the symptoms decrease or that the disease regresses completely”.
In the world, asthma is a “slightly increasing pathology, especially in the so-called industrialized countries. Certainly – Rogliano points out – we find a greater incidence and prevalence in urban areas also due to pollution. With the arrival of spring and the pollen flowering period, asthma patients who are allergic to specific types of pollen may experience a worsening of their symptoms. Many asthmatics may also have bronchial hyperactivity, making their airways particularly sensitive to stimuli such as intense odors, excessive humidity or pollen.”
World Asthma Day is an important event “to remember the key word of this disease, ‘control’ – concludes Rogliani – a term which implies the control of symptoms, the management of acute crises and adherence to inhalation therapy, which is generally simple to follow and is based on the combination of bronchodilator drugs and corticosteroids. This therapy aims to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation of the airways. If well controlled and if the patient follows the therapy of his doctor, no activity is precluded. Asthma has not stopped sporting champions, both Italian and foreign, like David Backham who has won everything.”
To be precise: in 12 years at Manchester United the former English midfielder won 6 championships, 2 FA Cups, 2 Charity Shields, a Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup. Beckham has 265 Premier League matches under his belt with 62 goals and a total of 394 games in which he scored 85 goals.
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