At 2 a.m., Nguyen Tam, 73, from District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, tossed and turned due to shortness of breath and wheezing, feeling a persistent obstruction in her throat. To avoid disturbing her family, she would quietly cough in the bathroom, her face flushed, her body weak from exhaustion. This nightly struggle with asthma prevented her from getting a good night's sleep.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. While there's no complete cure, effective management allows individuals to maintain a normal life and work routine.
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A healthy lifestyle contributes to an improved quality of life. Photo: Shutterstock |
A healthy lifestyle contributes to an improved quality of life. Photo: Shutterstock
According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide. In Vietnam, the prevalence of asthma is approximately 3.9%, equivalent to about 4 million people. Notably, between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths are attributed to this disease annually.
At the 2025 World Asthma Day conference (organized by the Vietnam Respiratory Society, in collaboration with GSK Vietnam), experts acknowledged the ongoing challenges in asthma management and prevention. Asthma, as an underlying condition, weakens the body's immune system, increasing the risk of viral infections such as influenza and shingles. A recent meta-analysis revealed a 24% increased risk of shingles in individuals with asthma and a 41% increase in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Hien Van*, 53, from Ho Chi Minh City, also a long-time asthma sufferer, explained his sensitivity to environmental changes, experiencing rhinitis during fluctuating weather conditions. He has been hospitalized multiple times due to rashes, and airway obstruction after consuming seafood or peanuts. He is also intolerant to chemicals, strong smells, smoke, and mold. "I always carry nasal spray, allergy medication, and asthma inhalers," he said.
Given this situation, in addition to treatment, preventative strategies are crucial for controlling asthma, reducing infection-related asthma attacks, and maintaining lung function.
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Many seniors hope to live joyfully and healthily, managing their asthma effectively. Photo: Shutterstock |
Many seniors hope to live joyfully and healthily, managing their asthma effectively. Photo: Shutterstock
Doctor Pham Thi My Lien, President of GSK Vietnam, stated, "For decades, GSK has pioneered research into advanced solutions for respiratory patients. In Vietnam, we collaborate with health authorities and professional organizations to enhance asthma management capabilities while expanding access from prevention to treatment."
*Name has been changed.
Thien Ha
Content produced by VnExpress in collaboration with GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with professional approval from the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association, to raise public awareness.
