Doctors are calling for the creation of “clear and specific” protocols for asthma patients in emergency rooms and medical care centres nationwide.

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) website, asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children.

Former health director at the Ministry of Health Abdel Rahman Shaher told The Jordan Times that healthcare providers should be extra cautious when giving asthma patients a treatment plan. 

“There’s no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms,” Shaher noted. 

Asthma symptoms include inflammation and narrowing of the small airways, which can contribute to any combination of cough, wheeze, shortness of breath or chest tightness, Shaher said.

Drugs that manage asthma reduce inflammation in the airways, he added.