With the objective to raise awareness about asthma, World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of May (this year it is taking place on 3rd May) across the globe. The day was first started by the Global Initiative for Asthma, which is a medical guideline organization founded in 1993. The theme of Word Asthma day 2022 is 'Closing gaps in asthma care. This year the day is focused on bridging the gaps in asthma care. This day is also dedicated to raising awareness about the medical issue, to increase the accessibility for its timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

India contributes to 11.1% of the global asthma burden and accounts for over 42% of related deaths making it the asthma capital of the world. As per the 2021 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 15 to 20 million people in India suffer from asthma, which includes patients from every age group.

Asthma is a non-communicable disease that can affect children as well as the adult population. It is the most common chronic disease found in children. In asthma, air passage becomes narrow due to swelling of linings and thus reducing the flow of lungs into and out of the lungs.

Symptoms of asthma – wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, frequent cough.

Risk factors – The exact cause of asthma is not known yet. However genetic factors with some environmental exposure to certain substances are found to be causative factors. Pollution, pollen, molds, tobacco smoke, chemical irritants, dust, and mites are some other risk factors for asthma.

Rigorous physical exercise, viral infections, emotions such as anger or fear, and certain medications can also trigger an asthma attack. Patients need to stay away from these triggering factors.

It is diagnosed by a breathing test – pulmonary function test, and spirometry. Asthma has got no cure but symptoms can be effectively managed and controlled. Asthma can be managed by properly taking medicines and avoiding triggers that can cause asthma symptoms. Inhalers are the best and safest method to curb asthma. With proper precautions and safety measures, asthmatic patients do not have to compromise their quality of life.

Tips to prevent an asthma attack

• Know your triggers and stay away from them.
• Follow hand hygiene religiously.
• Don’t indulge in vigorous physical activity.
• Keep inhalers (medications) handy.
• Wear a mask or nasal filters while going out.
• Avoid going out in the sun and crowded places.