Aggravation of the Existing Respiratory Diseases by the Loss or Difficulty in Supplying of Medicines and Medical Application: What Happened and What Measurements Should the Community and the Patient and His Family Do When the Medicines for the Existing Respiratory Disease Are Lost or Not Supplied?

Abstract

Japan is subject to frequent natural disasters. In patients with respiratory diseases, continuous treatment is needed from the acute phase through the chronic phase of a disaster. When a disaster is divided into the acute, subacute, and chronic phases, medication shortages are expected during the acute phase, which delays the distribution of medications and prevents patients from obtaining enough medications. Given this premise, measures are needed to allow many patients to receive treatment equally during the acute phase. During patient education, medical professionals should encourage patients to stockpile necessary medications to be prepared for the acute phase of a disaster and should provide action plans for patients. During the subacute phase, medication stockpiles start to increase, thereby gradually allowing for the provision of regular treatment to patients. During the chronic phase, many residents tend to live in isolation, and patients need continued support.