Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be life-threatening if not managed properly. It is believed that everyone regardless of their age, gender, or race should have access to the best asthma care possible. Breathlessness, coughing, chest pains, and wheezing are common symptoms of asthma.
Various factors are associated with an increased risk of asthma, including environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors, although it is difficult to find one single direct cause. Asthma tends to run in families and is more likely in people who have other allergic diseases. Several other factors can increase the risk of asthma. A low birth weight, exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or being overweight are some of the reasons.
Asthma cannot be cured, but if managed properly with the right treatment at the right time it can be controlled to prevent patients from having asthma attacks or reduce the number of asthmatic patients.
The World Asthma Day was initially established in 1998 by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). The day was created to promote awareness of asthma as a condition that is increasing. By 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized asthma as of major public health importance. Word Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday in May. This year it falls on May 2.
This day allows people the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of asthma. Moreover, people get important insight on how to keep themselves safe. World Asthma Day also involves advertising, talks and interviews, and community debates and quiz competitions in schools and colleges.
In 2023, the theme of World Asthma Day is “Asthma Care for All.” The idea behind this is to provide a call to action to raise awareness and reduce the prevalence of asthma among people. Further, it focuses on addressing common myths and misconceptions about asthma. These misconceptions are often detrimental and do not help to raise asthma awareness. They also prevent people with asthma from enjoying the benefits of the major advances in the management of this condition. Asthma is infectious, and everyone grows out of their childhood asthma, it is only controllable with high-dose steroids, people with asthma should not exercise are some common myths surrounding asthma.
Therefore, the World Asthma Day is significant as it gives a clear notion of the symptoms of asthma and treatment for asthma. People can be educated on it by using several platforms.
Aware the world for sustainable prevention of Asthma!
