May (1st Tuesday): It
is an annual event organized by the Global
Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness
and care around the world; it is observed on the first Tuesday of
the month of May.
Description
Asthma cannot be cured; only controlled. Adherence
to long-term asthmatic treatments is the only way to prevent asthma
exacerbation and deaths.
Asthma Statistics
Asthma affects 300 million people globally
Every year about 250,000 people die of asthma
prematurely around the world
It is estimated that asthma will grow by more than 100
million by 2025
14% of children have asthma while 9% of young adults are
suffering from it
80% of asthma deaths occur in low-income countries
India has 20 million asthmatics and the burden is higher
than TB and HIV combined
Asthma Causes and
Symptoms
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder usually
triggered by allergic reactions leading to difficulty in
breathing due to narrowing of the bronchial passage, which
carries oxygen to the lungs.
It has two main components: Swelling and Inflammation.
Swelling in the lungs occurs due to the accumulation of
mucus in the airways and inflammation is due to tightening of
the muscles around the airways.
The causes of asthma are not very well understood and
studies are being conducted to know the exact cause of trigger.
Several behavioral, environmental and genetic factors
have been linked to its development.
People having a genetic predisposition are at higher
chances of developing the disease and exposure to certain
allergens such as pollens, tobacco smoke, hairs of pets, air
pollution, chemicals from industries are attributed to asthma
triggers. Certain drugs like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory
drugs can cause asthma.
The most prominent symptoms of asthma include
breathlessness, chest tightness, recurring wheezing. As the
symptoms become severe, it can lead to fatigue, sleeplessness
and absenteeism, especially among children.
Coping with Asthma -
Adherence is the Key
There is no standard cure for asthma, but there are some
medications that can control its symptoms.
Management of asthma symptoms by taking drugs, regular
physician consultation and avoiding triggers are the best ways
to prevent death from this chronic disease.
Many pulmonologists have stressed adherence to long-term
treatment as the key to reducing asthma deaths and exacerbation.
There are two types of treatments: First, getting
instant relief from the symptoms at the time of triggers
(relievers) and the second, is taking regular (preventer)
medications to control persistent asthma symptoms and prevent
asthma attacks.
How Asthama Attack occurs - Video
What is Asthma - Video
How to cure Asthma Permanently and naturally at home
