World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Iniatiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve Asthma awareness and care around the world. World Asthma Day takes place on the first Tuesday of May.
Every year the first Tuesday of May marks the commemoration of the World Asthma Day that is organized and observed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This year the event falls on 3rd May with the central theme being, "You Can Control Your Asthma".
The inaugural World Asthma Day was held in 1998
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are close to 300 million people suffering from Asthma across the globe.
It is also one of the most common non-communicable diseases among children and remains highly un-diagnosed and un-treated.
"Asthma is a major non-communicable disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night," World Health Organisation.(WHO)
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a lung disorder that obstructs breathing.
It is a condition wherein a person experiences chronic inflammation leading to narrowing of the airway that causes recurrent asthma attacks.
In such circumstances air flow to lungs is obstructed. Some of the common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in chest.
It is also known as bronchial asthma or reactive airway disease.
The exact cause of asthma is still undiscovered however in most cases it is linked to hereditary as well as environmental factors.
The Triggers
It is extremely important that one identifies what triggers asthma attacks and keep a check on them.
These triggers may vary from person to person and may include the following.
Indoor elements: Mold, dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander
Outdoor agents: Air pollution, smog, cigarette, smoke, paint fumes, sprays, pollen, industrial dust, chemicals
Food allergens: Peanuts, eggs, fish, milk, sulphites and food preservatives (food allergies basically)
Non-allergic triggers: Physical exercise, anxiety, anger
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