Respiratory Conditions, Asthma and Lung Irritants
Brief Introduction
While Singapore itself is not a significant producer of air pollution, with the annual "Haze Season" and increased number of adults and youths alike smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day, it is no wonder the occurrences of respiratory conditions has increased in recent years.
Common Respiratory Conditions:
The prevalence of the diseases rises in tandem with the ageing population
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is in the top ten causes of death in Singapore in 2010.
In 2011, the number of patients seeking treatment in polyclinics for respiratory infections increased by 13% from 18,377 in 9 – 15 Jan 2011 to 20,702 in 16 – 22 Jan 2011. It remained above the epidemic threshold.
Causes:
Consequences:
Measures put in place to mitigate issue:
>The long-term policy goal is to prohibit smoking at all public places, except designated smoking points/areas.
>The smoking prohibition was last extended on 15 January 2013
Evaluation (Our thoughts):
Respiratory conditions is one of the more concerned health issues in Singapore mainly due to smoking and the air pollution.
The MOH and HPB have tackled the situation by addressing the main root of the problem which is smoking. There have been many efforts over the past few years regrading smoking.
Efforts by the measures taken can be seen by the results of the "i quit" campaign which reached 13,000 smokers through various platforms at the workplaces, hospitals, uniform groups and in the community.
However, some of the measures my be ineffective towards the aged as they are more stubborn and are less willing to change their "habits".
References:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2011/Increase_in_Influenza_and_Acute_Respiratory_Infections_in_Singapore.html
http://www.respiratoryspecialists.com.sg/Useful_Links
https://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/news-and-events/news/singapore-business-news/Feature/asias-biggest-health-concerns.html
http://www.expatliving.sg/health/medical/Top-six-health-issues-in-Singapore-41180.ece
https://www.silverpages.sg/health_living_article.aspx?FID=175&Title=Chronic%20Lung%20Disease_Chronic#.VSFMoI6Ucn0
http://www.nea.gov.sg/public-health/smoking
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/11946?utm_source=vanity-url&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=iquit
http://biotechin.asia/2015/04/05/scientists-develop-new-drug-formulations-to-boost-the-fight-against-respiratory-illnesses-and-antibiotic-resistant-superbugs/
While Singapore itself is not a significant producer of air pollution, with the annual "Haze Season" and increased number of adults and youths alike smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day, it is no wonder the occurrences of respiratory conditions has increased in recent years.
Common Respiratory Conditions:
- Asthma
- Lung Cancer
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ( emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Influenza
- lung infections/pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
The prevalence of the diseases rises in tandem with the ageing population
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is in the top ten causes of death in Singapore in 2010.
In 2011, the number of patients seeking treatment in polyclinics for respiratory infections increased by 13% from 18,377 in 9 – 15 Jan 2011 to 20,702 in 16 – 22 Jan 2011. It remained above the epidemic threshold.
Causes:
- Smoking ( One of the main causes)
- Car exhaust
- Air pollution from neighbouring countries
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals such as asbestos, coal gas, chromium, nickel, arsenic, vinyl chloride, and mustard gas
Consequences:
- Higher death rates
- More money in hospitals spent in treating patients with such diseases
Measures put in place to mitigate issue:
- The public is recommended to adhere to the MOH haze health advisory (Annex A) in the times of a haze situation
- Taxes on cigarettes
- Social cause to discourage smoking
- The Smoking Prohibition Act.
>The long-term policy goal is to prohibit smoking at all public places, except designated smoking points/areas.
>The smoking prohibition was last extended on 15 January 2013
- Ban on cigarette displays at cashiers ( Part of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act )
- "I Quit" campaign (set up in 2011)
- Smoking Control programmes for adults/youths by HPB
Evaluation (Our thoughts):
Respiratory conditions is one of the more concerned health issues in Singapore mainly due to smoking and the air pollution.
The MOH and HPB have tackled the situation by addressing the main root of the problem which is smoking. There have been many efforts over the past few years regrading smoking.
Efforts by the measures taken can be seen by the results of the "i quit" campaign which reached 13,000 smokers through various platforms at the workplaces, hospitals, uniform groups and in the community.
However, some of the measures my be ineffective towards the aged as they are more stubborn and are less willing to change their "habits".
References:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/pressRoomItemRelease/2011/Increase_in_Influenza_and_Acute_Respiratory_Infections_in_Singapore.html
http://www.respiratoryspecialists.com.sg/Useful_Links
https://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/news-and-events/news/singapore-business-news/Feature/asias-biggest-health-concerns.html
http://www.expatliving.sg/health/medical/Top-six-health-issues-in-Singapore-41180.ece
https://www.silverpages.sg/health_living_article.aspx?FID=175&Title=Chronic%20Lung%20Disease_Chronic#.VSFMoI6Ucn0
http://www.nea.gov.sg/public-health/smoking
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/11946?utm_source=vanity-url&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=iquit
http://biotechin.asia/2015/04/05/scientists-develop-new-drug-formulations-to-boost-the-fight-against-respiratory-illnesses-and-antibiotic-resistant-superbugs/