HMC marks World Asthma Day with state-of-the-art treatment options
Tribune News Network
Doha
This World Asthma Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is shining the spotlight on innovative treatment options that are revolutionising asthma care for residents in Qatar.
With advanced biologic therapies, smart inhalers, a health app, plus a comprehensive support plan that includes educational and self-management programs, HMC is transforming how asthma is managed for over 20,000 patients annually.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to narrow and swell, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Dr. Hisham Abdul Aleem Abdul Sattar, head of Pulmonology Department explains: 'Asthma can significantly impact a person's daily activities and quality of life if not properly managed, but thanks to cutting-edge technology and personalized care plans, what was once a condition that significantly limited patients' lives, can now be effectively controlled and managed.'
HMC's patient-centred approach begins with comprehensive diagnostic assessments, utilizing advanced testing techniques to determine the precise type and severity of each patient's asthma. This targeted diagnosis enables the clinical team to develop individualized treatment plans.
'One size does not fit all when it comes to asthma management,' explains Dr. Abdul Sattar. 'For some patients, standard inhalers provide sufficient control, while others benefit from newer biologic therapies that target specific pathways in the immune system.'
Beyond the medication, HMC emphasizes the critical role of patient education and self-management. The hospital offers programs that helps patients recognize their triggers, properly use their medications, and confidently take action during symptom flare-ups, transforming patients from passive recipients of care to active partners in managing their condition.
This collaborative approach extends to HMC's use of innovative technology. The introduction of smart inhalers with sensors that track medication usage and mobile applications that monitor symptoms represents an advancement in continuous asthma management.
Dr. Abdul Sattar adds, 'These technologies provide our clinical team with real-time insights into how patients are responding to treatment between appointments, allowing for more timely interventions when needed.'
Accessing HMC's asthma services is straightforward. Patients may obtain referrals from primary care physicians to make their appointment at the specialized respiratory clinics.
Emergency services are available 24/7 for those experiencing severe symptoms. Patients can also opt for telemedicine options for remote consultations with healthcare professionals.
HMC's commitment to excellence in asthma care has earned international recognition, with its Allergy and Immunology Service receiving accreditation as an Urticaria Centre of Reference and Excellence by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN).
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