Maria says: ‘No reason to panic,
about increase in asthma cases’
PHILIPSBURG--The increase in the number of children being rushed to St. Maarten Medical Center with a severe form of asthma over the past few years should be no reason for panic, says Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
The Commissioner said based on discussions she had with paediatrician Dr. Peter Offringa about the increase in severe asthma cases among children as reported by this newspaper in its Tuesday’s edition, she was informed that the increase “is not something that suddenly appeared and does not warrant any panic.”
“It is also a worldwide trend at the moment including cases in Aruba and Curaçao. Dr. Offringa explained that asthma cases have been increasing throughout the years and that research is ongoing to determine the reason.”
She reported that Offringa said at certain times of the year there is usually a “flare-up” of asthma cases “then it dies back down.”
“It’s an annual occurrence. Living in the Caribbean presents a number of possible causes. They include what is known as Sahara dust which can cause sinus problems. We know Sahara dust has been reported as a possible cause in Barbados and Miami so it’s safe to assume other Caribbean islands as well,” she reported Offringa as explaining.
The Commissioner continued: “The dust turns skies around the Northeastern Caribbean Sea hazy, reducing visibility and causing poor air quality. Saharan dust blows across the Atlantic a few times most Summers, sometimes reaching southern Florida. Winds carry the dust westward. Larger particles fall out as the dust crosses the Atlantic. But the smaller particles can cause problems.”
She said too that the unusual chilly weather and high winds that the island has been experiencing for the first four months of the year could also be a factor. We have very hot days, followed by very chilly nights, which affects sinuses and could trigger asthma attacks in persons of all ages, not just children.”
She said Offringa stressed, however, that asthma if not treated, could be fatal and that people should see their doctor if symptoms are present.
Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, especially at night; wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; pain or pressure. It is very treatable and rarely ever poses a serious risk if patients follow their doctor’s instructions and take the medication prescribed to them.
