Every year, World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May. This year it is on May 2 This day is observed to raise awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that is becoming more prevalent worldwide.
The day provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to work on innovations for the cure of the disease while developing strategies to address this health issue worldwide.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways tend to get narrow and swollen which makes it difficult to breathe properly. The seriousness of this condition may vary depending on the health conditions of the affected person.
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative institution, established the first Asthma Day in 1998, and it has been observed annually ever since. More than 60 nations observe the day at the moment. World Asthma Day will be observed on May 2 this year.
What Causes Asthma?
Researchers don’t know why some people have asthma while others don’t. But certain factors present a higher risk:
- Allergies: Having allergies can raise your risk of developing asthma.
- Environmental factors: People can develop asthma after exposure to things that irritate the airways. These substances include allergens, toxins, fumes, and second- or third-hand smoke. These can be especially harmful to infants and young children whose immune systems haven’t finished developing.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of asthma or allergic diseases, you have a higher risk of developing the disease
- Respiratory infections: Certain respiratory infections, such as respiratory diseases, can damage young children’s developing lungs.
What are common asthma attack triggers?
Triggers can be different for each person. But some common triggers include:
- Air pollution: Many things outside can cause an asthma attack. Air pollution includes factory emissions, car exhaust, wildfire smoke, and more.
- Dust mites: You can’t see these bugs, but they are in our homes. If you have a dust allergy this can cause an asthma attack.
- Exercise: For some people, exercising can cause an attack.
- Mold: Damp places can spawn mold, which can cause problems if you have asthma. You don’t even have to be allergic to mold to have an attack.
- Pests: Cockroaches, mice, and other household pests can cause asthma attacks.
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
People with asthma usually have obvious symptoms. These signs and symptoms resemble many respiratory infections:
- Chest tightness, pain, or pressure.
- Coughing (especially at night).
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing.
Prevalence of asthma in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges asthma as both a cause and effect of poverty in low- and middle-income nations. Age, sex, educational level, place of residence, type of cooking fuel, source of drinking water, household size, and ability to dispose of waste are all found to have a significant impact on asthma prevalence in India, according to studies.
Asthma control interventions must begin at the primary healthcare level with community education and the prioritization of necessary medications and supplies