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BCT donated $1,000.00 towards a Breath of Life Appeal, where the cost of one nebulizer is $50.00.
Here below is a brief about the appeal:
In 2009, over 3,000 children in Iraq died from complications caused by the lack of treatment for asthma. What is disturbing is that these deaths could have been prevented.
ASTHMA: A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM
Asthma is a major public health problem among Iraqi children, where prevalence rates of asthma and wheezing are comparable to industrialized and developed countries, and occurrences of severe asthma symptoms are similar or higher than in other countries.
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes breathing difficult. During asthma attacks, the smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict, the airways become inflamed and swollen, and breathing becomes difficult. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. In recent years, the number of cases of asthma in Iraq has increased because of deteriorating environmental conditions in the country. The weather has changed drastically over the past years. There is an increase in the amount of dust in the air (due to dust storms) and a decrease in humidity, making children more vulnerable to respiratory diseases.
LACK OF TREATMENT
Today, hospitals in Iraq are experiencing an increased shortage of medicines and nebulizers for asthma patients in Iraq. At the same time, the rising prices of available treatment from private pharmacies are unaffordable.
Persistent asthma patients need to take long-term control medications on a daily basis to control their condition. These medications primarily serve to control airway inflammation. Without them, patients can develop serious complications which can lead to death.
A nebulizer is a device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. It is commonly used in treating cystic fibrosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. This piece of equipment is easy to use and families can administer the medication to their children in the comfort of their own homes.
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