Living with asthma since the age of two has been a relentless battle, with moments where I genuinely feared for my life. Sometimes it was just wheezing, but there were terrifying moments when I couldn’t breathe at all. My asthma inhaler is my lifeline, and I still need it within seconds during emergencies to survive.

Asthma is not only physically draining — it’s financially exhausting. During a financial crisis in the past, I had to skip my maintenance inhalers and relied solely on rescue meds. This left my asthma uncontrolled, leading to frequent exacerbations and acute attacks.

As someone who has endured severe asthma, multiple bouts of pneumonia, two Covid infections, and even a pulmonary embolism, I can attest that the sensation of being unable to breathe is a terror that never fades. 

Fortunately, my asthma is now better managed with consistent maintenance therapy. While I still experience occasional breathlessness, I find comfort in knowing advocacy groups in the Philippines are working tirelessly to help patients like me live better.

Confronting lung health challenges

At the “Elevating Lung Care” summit hosted by AstraZeneca on 15 January at EDSA Shangri-La, alarming facts about lung health in the Philippines were shared. In 2019, nearly 5.2 million Filipinos were affected by asthma, and the country ranked second worldwide in asthma mortality. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the Philippines, and lung cancer is the second most common cancer type locally, and is the leading cancer killer, with more than 20,000 deaths recorded in 2022.

The summit, organized by AstraZeneca, brought together experts from the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Philippine Society of Oncologists, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, and the Lung Health Alliance Philippines, among others, to address these challenges.

Call for early detection

A recurring theme during the summit was clear: early detection saves lives. 

Dr. Chita I. Nazal-Matunog, president of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, and Dr. Herdee Luna, former president of the Philippine Society of Oncologists, emphasized the importance of bringing screening services closer to communities.

“By creating community-based hubs, we can bring life-saving early detection services closer to those who need them most,” they shared.

Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director at AstraZeneca Philippines, underscored that early detection significantly increases the chances of improving patients’ quality of life and, in cases like COPD and lung cancer, their chances of survival.

The experts urged patients not to delay consultations. If something feels unusual, they should see a doctor immediately. Early detection can save time, money, and further health complications.

Prevention and community support

Engr. Emer Rojas, LungHAP President, and lung cancer survivor, and Dr. Ma. Janeth Samson, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, also shared practical tips for protecting lung health: avoiding tobacco products, minimizing exposure to air pollutants, staying active, and recognizing early symptoms like persistent cough or shortness of breath.

Engr. Rojas also emphasized that peer-to-peer support groups could greatly enhance medical interventions. He urged for continued collaboration between public institutions, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to create environments where patients feel empowered and supported to seek care early and consistently.

Technology and compassion

Dr. Samson expressed optimism about advancements in healthcare, such as AI-powered diagnostic tools for cancer screening and new biologics for asthma and COPD, which are poised to transform respiratory care. However, she emphasized that despite these global advancements, significant gaps remain in the early diagnosis and comprehensive care of asthma, COPD, and lung cancer in the Philippines.

“Addressing these gaps requires support systems, increased awareness, and access to attainable diagnostics and rehabilitation services. Collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and local communities is essential to ensure that no patient is left behind,” Dr. Samson said.

As an asthma patient, I believe that while technology continues to evolve, compassion remains at the core of effective healthcare. So, after the event, I spoke with event moderator Dr. Anna Guia O. Limpoco about the crucial role of patient engagement during consultations, especially for cash-strapped patients who may feel discouraged by the trial-and-error nature of diagnostic tests.

“It’s very important that when we engage with patients, establishing rapport is the top priority,” she said, adding that doctors need to ask intelligent, well-phrased questions to avoid causing confusion.

“When we connect with patients, it becomes easier to ask relevant questions about their condition. This allows us to create an individualized treatment plan that the patient understands, rather than just giving them a checklist of instructions,” Dr. Limpoco explained.

She stressed the importance of collaborative care. “If the patient asks, ‘Why do I need to do this?’ it means they don’t fully understand. And when they don’t understand, it delays treatment and can worsen outcomes.”

A hopeful path forward

Despite the daunting challenges of lung health in the Philippines, the summit offered hope. Through early detection, preventive measures, community support, and technological advancements, patients can look forward to better outcomes.

As someone who has lived with respiratory challenges all my life, I know firsthand how vital these efforts are. Breathing may seem like the most basic human function, but for many of us, it’s a frequent struggle. Yet, through the collective work of medical experts, advocates, and patients, there is hope for a healthier future—one breath at a time.