World Asthma Day is a healthcare campaign observed globally every year on the first Tuesday in May to promote asthma awareness. This year, the event falls on 7 May, where government health organizations and local organizations come together to fight the major global non-communicable ailment in children and adults.
Importance of World Asthma Day (WAD)
Asthma is one of the recurrent chronic conditions affecting children and adults globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other government authorities considered asthma as both a factor and an impact of poverty in low and middle-income regions. As per statistics, 26.2 core people have asthma, with a mortality of 4.55 lakh deaths globally in 2019.
As per the Global Burden of Disease Report (GBDR) 2019, India has the highest growing burden of asthma in the globe in terms of mortality and disability-modified life years and more than 3.4 crores of people in India suffer from asthma, despite accounting for only 13% of the world’s asthma population and 42% of global mortality.
The World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognise asthma as a global priority and implement several plans to improve asthma diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
World Asthma Day (WAD) 2024 theme is “Asthma Education Empowers”, which highlights the need to educate people with asthma on how to manage their condition and when to get optimal medical management.
Here's what empowered asthma patients can attain:
Identify Triggers: Know what triggers asthma attacks and let a person avoid them or get ready with medication.
Recognize Symptoms: Prompt identification of worsening symptoms supports you take action before a severe attack.
Use Inhalers Effectively: Proper inhaler technique ensures you receive the optimal dose of medication.
Develop An Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored and customised asthma treatment plan detailing how to manage daily symptoms and handle worsening attacks.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Getting moderate exercise, eating a wholesome and balanced meal, getting sound sleep and maintaining good hygiene can improve your overall health and potentially reduce asthma severity.
Must-To Have Essentials For Asthma Patients
Reliever Inhaler (Short-Acting Beta-Agonist)
This inhaler quickly relieves asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. This inhaler works by relaxing the airways' muscles, thus supporting breathing. Patients should always have their reliever inhaler with them and use it as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Controller Inhaler (Corticosteroid)
A controller inhaler is used regularly to prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. It contains corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation in the airways. Patients should use their controller inhaler as prescribed, even when they are feeling well.
Also Read: Asthma Dietary Management: Foods To Add And Avoid For Managing This Respiratory Condition
Peak Flow Meter
This meter is a handheld device used to measure how well air moves out of the lungs. It helps asthma patients evaluate their lung function and assess if their asthma is under control. Regular peak flow monitoring can help identify asthma triggers and adjust treatment as needed.
Mask
If you commute every day, it is suggested that you get a mask. Wearing a mask can shield you against allergens and avert asthma attacks.
Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan is a written document that outlines a patient's asthma management plan. It includes instructions on how to recognize and manage asthma symptoms, when to use medications, and when to seek medical help. Every asthma patient should have an asthma action plan tailored to their needs.
Allergy-Proof Bedding
Asthma is often triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Using allergy-proof bedding, including mattress and pillow covers, can help lower exposure to these allergens and improve asthma control. Also, it is important to wash bedding regularly in hot water, as it can help destroy dust mites and reduce allergen levels.
Conclusion
World Asthma Day 2024 provides an opportunity to educate people about asthma and the importance of proper management. By understanding asthma, providing proper care, and offering support, we can help asthma patients breathe easier and lead healthier lives.
References:
Basis of preventive and non-pharmacological interventions in asthma
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez, 1 , 2 Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, 3 Domingo Jesús Ramos-Campo, corresponding author 4 , Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, corresponding author 5 , * Ismael Martínez-Guardado, 6 Eduardo Navarro Jimenez, 7 Laura Redondo-Flórez, 8 Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, 9 and Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera 1 , 2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10619920/
https://ginasthma.org/world-asthma-day-may-7-2024/
