JEDDAH – Academics, scientists and doctors gathered in Jeddah on Wednesday night to discuss developments in the treatment of bronchial asthma in children. On behalf of Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal Bin Majed, who was patron of the conference discussing this condition, King Abdulaziz University Vice President Dr. Adnan Bin Hamza Zahid inaugurated the event. The event was held by the Saudi Society of Internal Medicine in collaboration with King Abdulaziz University, the Saudi Pediatric Association and Saudi Pediatrics Lung Medicine Group with the support of GlaxoSmithKline, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Holding the conference in the Kingdom for the first time allowed many Arab physicians and scientists to discuss the latest methods and technology to treat bronchial asthma. The conference was also held earlier this year in Thailand and last year in France. According to the Saudi Group of Bronchial Asthma, around 23 percent of Saudi children suffer from bronchial asthma. Of these 80 percent are not treated correctly. This means their quality of living is greatly reduced and they are unable to enjoy daily activities like other children, the group said. The conference highlights the importance of continuous medical education and development of new practices linked to the management and treatment of bronchial asthma in children. Dr. Tareq Madani, president of the Saudi Society of Internal Medicine, said: “The conference's main focus is to raise the awareness of doctors and other concerned teams and staff in healthcare about the latest asthma treatments and controlling its effects in the long run.” The two-day conference held lectures and discussions focusing on asthma related topics including symptoms, treatment, followup and long-term treatment plans for patients. Also, workshops discussed asthma attacks and the best ways of dealing with cases. Dr. Masoud Al-Jaafary, general manager for GlaxoSmithKline Saudi Arabia, praised all the efforts and studies carried out by Saudi associations, societies and groups to tackle the disease. He added: “Professionals, scientists, professors and doctors involved in this this specialization are all working to provide quality medical care at the earliest possible time to patients. “It's all done to ensure the right treatment reaches the right patient at the right time.” The conference hosted eight top academics from the US, Canada, Brazil, Italy and Australia and scientists, professors, consultants and specialists from Saudi Arabia to increase awareness about asthma management and treatment. Dr. Mahmoud Shaheen, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University, said: “Asthma as a disease is spreading worldwide and in Arab countries, especially in big and industrial cities due to pollution. “Today's conference is like a hub where concerned personnel gather to converse and discuss the recent studies on asthma.”
