Prof. Dr. Arzu Yorgancıoğlu: "The Most Critical Point in Asthma Treatment Is Treatment Adherence"

Head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Celal Bayar University Medical School Prof. Dr. Arzu Yorgancıoğlu provided important information for asthma patients and their families on 7 May World Asthma Day. Prof. Yorgancıoğlu shared with media representatives what needs to be considered in asthma disease and its treatment. At a press conference held by GSK Turkey on the occasion of 7 May World Asthma Day, Head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Celal Bayar University Medical School Prof. Dr. Arzu Yorgancıoğlu, shared valuable information regarding asthma and asthma treatment. Prof. Yorgancıoğlu stated that there are approximately 300 million asthma patients worldwide and noted that in Turkey one out of 12-13 adults and one out of 7-8 children suffer from asthma. Speaking about treatment compliance and control in asthma and their impact on patients' quality of life, Prof. Dr. Arzu Yorgancıoğlu said: "Asthma is not a disease that is completely eliminated; it is a chronic disease that continues indefinitely. For this reason, managing the process is very important. With preventive treatments, patients can get through periods with just a few symptoms without suffering an attack. This way, patients can work in their desired profession, become artists, and participate in the Olympics. One of the biggest mistakes made in asthma patients is becoming sedentary. We want asthma patients not to give up physical activity. As long as patients receive proper and regular treatment, they can practice any sport they wish." Emphasizing the importance of genetic predisposition and environmental factors in asthma disease, Yorgancıoğlu stated: "The most critical point in asthma treatment is compliance with therapy. Regular use of medications by patients is extremely important for treatment success. Previously, medications were only used during attack periods and there were no regular treatments. We saw the consequences of this, which could lead to death. Now different treatments can be applied to different patients. As long as these treatments are applied regularly, the disease becomes normalized." Noting that families have a major role in children with asthma, Arzu Yorgancıoğlu particularly emphasized that asthmati children's activities should not be restricted and that smoking should not occur in their presence. Emphasizing that asthma treatment must continue during pregnancy, Yorgancıoğlu highlighted that an asthma attack in a pregnant patient can cause serious problems for the baby.