World Asthma Day is held annually on the first Tuesday of May, with the main aim of raising awareness about this chronic respiratory disease. This health event brings together researchers, medical experts, and other healthcare groups to formulate strategies and effective treatment plans to mitigate the impact of asthma. World Asthma Day (WAD) is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA), a World Health Organization collaborative founded in 1933 that highlights the need for providing appropriate care, support, and treatment for asthma worldwide. On this health campaign, the government and other non-government organizations work together to control asthma and increase awareness about asthma attacks and uplift the lives of people living with asthma.
The GINA has chosen ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care” as the theme for World Asthma Day 2022. Well, there are several gaps in asthma care which need the right intervention to decrease preventable suffering and the cost incurred for treating uncontrolled asthma.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs, and it leads to repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and night-time or early morning coughing. Asthma can be managed well by medication and avoiding triggers that can cause an attack. Further, it is also essential to stay away from triggers in the environment that may worsen attack.
Asthma attacks can develop at any time of the day and it’s most severe after strenuous physical activity or at night. As per the WHO reports, more than 300 million people are affected by asthma globally. Though asthma cannot be completely treated, it is possible to control symptoms and avert asthma attacks, also called episodes or exacerbations.
As per statistics about 6% of children and 2% of adults in India are affected by asthma. And there is a huge gap in healthcare facilities for the rich and poor populace in India. On this WAD 2022, government and non-government agency should devise effective plans to bridge this healthcare gap.
What Are Triggers Of Asthma?
Generally, people with asthma have inflamed airways that are sensitive to certain things which may not really affect or bother others and these things are termed “triggers”. However, asthma triggers may not be the same for all, it varies from person to person, some people may react to only a few, while others react to many.
It is vital for a person living with this condition to keep a track of these triggers that may induce an asthma attack. As symptoms may not always develop right after exposure and delayed asthma attacks may happen depending on the type of trigger and how sensitive a person is to it.
Most Common Triggers
Allergies
Any substance that causes allergies (allergens) can elicit an asthma attack. For instance, if a person happens to inhale something allergic, then he or she may experience asthma symptoms. Thus, it is best to steer clear or limit contact with known allergens to mitigate or avert asthma episodes.
Some of the allergens that cause allergic asthma include:
- Dust mites
- Cockroach
- Pollen
- Molds
- Pet dander
- Rodents
Also Read: World Asthma Day: 5 Ways To Manage Asthma In Summer
Irritants In the Atmosphere
Any irritants in the environment can highly cause an asthma attack. Though people are not usually allergic to these things, they can bother inflamed, and sensitive airways.
- Smoke from cigarettes
- Air pollution such as smog, ozone, and others
- Wood fires
- Charcoal grills
- Strong fumes, vapours or odours (such as paint, gasoline, perfumes and scented soaps)
- Dust and particles in the air
- Chemicals
Comorbid Health Conditions
Certain health problems can also trigger the symptoms of asthma which include:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Food Allergies
- Food-induced anaphylaxis
- Sulphites in food
- Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
- Food-induced anaphylaxis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Obesity
Exercise
Exercise and any physical activity generally make you breathe harder which can affect asthma. Especially exercising in cold air is a common asthma trigger. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a type of asthma that is set off by physical activity. It is also known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Symptoms may not develop until several minutes of a sustained workout. But with the right approach, physical activity can improve lung health and ease symptoms of asthma.
Weather
Dry wind, cold air or any sudden changes in weather can at times set on an asthma attack. Thunderstorm asthma can affect people with asthma if a strong thunderstorm hits during high pollen and high humidity. The rain can hit pollen and break the grains into smaller particles, while the wind from the storm spreads these particles all around, thus making it easier for people to inhale.
Strong Emotions
When a person experiences strong emotions, the breathing patterns alters-even if you don’t have asthma. This emotional imbalance can cause wheezing or other asthma symptoms in asthmatic patients. Some of the emotions that may trigger an asthma attack include:
- Anger
- Fear
- Excitement
- Laughter
- Yelling
- Crying
Medications
Some medicines can also trigger asthma, like:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Beta-blockers can also make it difficult to manage asthma
Discuss with your healthcare provider about asthma and your triggers and know about appropriate modifications needed in regulating this respiratory disorder.
