DOH logs 46 bronchial asthma, acute exacerbation cases

The Department of Health (DOH) has so far recorded 46 cases of bronchial asthma and acute exacerbation nationwide and this number may still increase amid the New Year festivities.

The DOH said the current tally is still low but they are already preparing for the influx of patients with such lung conditions as some areas start to celebrate the New Year by using fireworks, based on a 24 Oras Weekend report of Bernadette Reyes.

“Meron tayong mga kapuso na tawagin na nating hyperreactive ‘yung airways. Maaaring wala silang hika mismo, hindi sila diagnosed, pero madali silang magkaroon ng irritation, madaling ubuhin,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

(There are people who have hyperreactive airways. They may not be diagnosed with asthma, but they can easily get coughs or irritations.)

The agency thus advised people at risk to wear N95 masks or surgical masks, or cover the nose and mouth with wet towels during fireworks display to prevent smoke exposure.

“Kung kayo po ay pamilya na merong hika o kaya merong matanda, ‘yung kwarto kung nasaan ‘yung pasyente [ay] huwag na nating buksan,” Domingo added.

(If you have family members with asthma or an elderly, don’t open the room where the patient is.)

Aside from these diseases, the DOH said Sunday that a total of 142 firecracker-related injuries were recorded in the country ahead of the New Year 2025 celebrations.

The DOH has repeatedly warned the public about the dangers of using firecrackers this holiday season and encouraged watching community fireworks displays set up by professionals instead.
—Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News