World Asthma Day

Asthma Education Empowers

Observation of World Asthma Day is on the first Tuesday in May, and this year, it is on 7 May. The efforts are to help people with asthma by equipping themselves with self-management techniques. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with asthma. Asthma is one of the common chronic non-communicable diseases. It affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450000 deaths each year worldwide. Worryingly, the death rate due to asthma has nearly doubled since the 1980s. In India, approximately 35 million people have asthma. The exact cause of asthma remains unknown, and there is no cure. It runs in the families, suggesting a genetic component. An inhaler is the most common treatment. Some supplements can reduce the severity of the condition. Yoga can be beneficial for managing asthma. Several diseases currently do not have a known cure. Like Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease and, in recent times, Diabetes. Asthma gives company to these diseases, throwing challenges to researchers on how to find solutions. Some of these are terminal. Medical care and lifestyle adjustments can help manage others. Fortunately, awareness and lifestyle management help manage asthma. Information is vital, and the aim is to leave no one behind.

Breathing is the essence of life; let’s unite to ensure every breath counts.
Anonymous

Observation of World Asthma Day is on the first Tuesday in May, and this year, it is on 7 May. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a WHO collaborative organisation, oversees the event.  The US’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also joins these efforts. The aim is to raise awareness and empower people with asthma to manage and seek medical help when necessary. It started in 1998, with 35 countries joining the first World Asthma meeting in Barcelona, Spain. It grew and became one of the most essential asthma awareness events. The efforts are to help people with asthma by equipping themselves with self-management techniques. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with asthma. It forms part of UN SDG goals for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. May is also asthma awareness month.

Asthma is a chronic, long-term lung disorder. It results from the airways becoming too narrow or inflamed, making breathing difficult. The condition of asthma is not new. Chinese and Egyptian scriptures mention it, and Hippocrates discussed it. Dr. Henry H. Salter gave an accurate description of the disease.  

Asthma is one of the common chronic non-communicable diseases. It affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450000 deaths each year worldwide. Worryingly, the death rate due to asthma has nearly doubled since the 1980s. In India, approximately 35 million people have asthma. The Challenges in India are underdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, stigma and concealment. 

The exact cause of asthma remains unknown, and there is no cure. It runs in the families, suggesting a genetic component. Researchers have identified specific genes associated with asthma susceptibility. Severe respiratory infections during childhood may increase the risk of developing asthma. People with other allergic conditions are susceptible to asthma. While efforts are being made to discover what causes asthma and what is needed for treatment, managing the condition is in our hands. Lifestyle Management, identifying and avoiding triggers such as allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander) and smoke is needed to tackle the impact of asthma.  

Asthma can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of socioeconomic status. Certain socioeconomic factors can influence its severity and management. Australia, Sweden, the UK, Netherlands and Brazil are the countries with high incidence of asthma. In Canada, ~3.8 million are with asthma. 1 in 13 Americans have asthma. Vietnam, Bosnia-Herzegovina and China report the lowest rates.

India has 35 million people with asthma, which is 12.9% of the global burden. The prevalence of asthma varies across different states. Rajasthan has the highest number, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh are also more prevalent.  

An inhaler is the most common treatment, as it delivers medication directly to the lungs. Using an inhaler can be difficult, especially for children and during emergencies. Black seed, Nigella sativa, Caffeine, choline supplement, and French maritime pine bark extract may reduce inflammation. Another supplement is vitamin D.  These supplements can reduce the severity and need for emergency treatment. Yoga can be beneficial for managing asthma. Some asanas suggested are Bhujangasana, Setu bandh asana, Dandasana, Ustrasana and Tadasana.

Several diseases currently do not have a known cure, such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s, and, in recent times, Diabetes. Asthma gives company to these diseases, throwing challenges to researchers on how to find solutions. Some of these are terminal. Medical care and lifestyle adjustments can help manage others. Fortunately, awareness and lifestyle management help manage asthma. Information is vital, and the aim is to leave no one behind.

Healthcare professionals are called upon to increase their awareness of the continuing avoidable morbidity and mortality from asthma and the published evidence on effective management of asthma so they are equipped to provide reliable information and optimal treatment for their patients.         
Global Initiative for Asthma

Information is Key.
Leave No One Behind

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