World Asthma Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in collaboration with health care groups and asthma educators to raise awareness about the condition and improve asthma care throughout the world
Each year GINA chooses a theme and organises the preparation and distribution of World Asthma Day materials and resources. World Asthma Day activities are organised in each country by health care professionals, educators, and members of the public who want to help reduce the burden of asthma.
The first World Asthma Day, in 1998, was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain. Participation has increased with each World Asthma Day held since then, and the day has become one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education events.
This year it is on Tuesday, May 5 and the theme will continue to be “You Can Control Your Asthma.” GINA will also continue to use the sub-theme, “It’s Time to Control Asthma.”
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness.
The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems.
Occasionally, asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. This is known as an “asthma attack”, although doctors sometimes use the term “exacerbation”.
Severe attacks may require hospital treatment and can be life threatening, although this is unusual.
In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
That’s the equivalent of 1 in every 12 adults and 1 in every 11 children. Asthma in adults is more common in women than men. According to Asthma UK, one in five homes has someone living with asthma.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal.
When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs – known as a trigger – your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten, and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm). People with asthma have airways that are very sensitive and twitchy. They can quickly go into spasm if there is a trigger.
Common asthma triggers include:
- house dust mites
- animal fur
- pollen
- cigarette smoke
- exercise
- viral infections
The reason why some people develop asthma is not fully understood, although it is known that you are more likely to develop it if you have a family history of the condition.
Asthma can develop at any age, including in young children and elderly people.
If you suspect that you have asthma or have difficulty in breathing it is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor. Doctors diagnose asthma mainly by asking you questions about your health, and possibly doing certain tests.
Treatment & care
Asthma treatment can vary from anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator asthma inhalers to oral medications to asthma medicines delivered in an asthma nebuliser or breathing machine. Get a better understanding of how asthma medications work so you’ll know which medications can prevent asthma symptoms. Also, learn about natural asthma remedies and ways to monitor your breathing at home. If you have asthma, it is important to get some support. The people around you, family members, friends, people at work, can all give you support with asthma. These people should not only know what to do in case you have an asthma attack, but they should also know that asthma can be controlled and managed. You can also find support online, through local support groups and by staying in touch with others who have asthma.
It is important to have an Asthma action plan
Not sure what medicines to take and when? Wouldn’t know what to do if you start having symptoms? Don’t want to end up in hospital with an asthma attack? Having your own written asthma action plan is the best thing you can do to keep well with your asthma.
“We know that if you use a written asthma action plan you’re four times less likely to be admitted to hospital for your asthma,” says Debby Waddell, Asthma UK’s clinical lead. “If you want to stay on top of your asthma make sure you get a written asthma action plan as part of your asthma review. It doesn’t take long to discuss and write up your asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse, and once you have one it can make a real difference.”
