Asthma is a condition in which our airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when we breathe out and shortness of breath. Asthma is a minor nuisance for some people. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. It can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important that one work with a doctor to track signs and symptoms of Asthma and adjust treatment as needed. Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time. Asthma signs and symptoms include: Shortness of breath, Chest tightness or pain, Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. The signs and symptoms of Asthma that are more frequent and bothersome are Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well our lungs are working (peak flow meter). The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often. Asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations for some people such as Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry, Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust and Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander). One must keep in mind that severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with a doctor to determine what to do when signs and symptoms worsen — and when we need emergency treatment. The signs of an asthma emergency include: Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing, No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler and Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity. When to contact a doctor-If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from getting worse over time. To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack. If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn’t seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often. Don’t take more medication than prescribed without consulting a doctor first. Overusing asthma medication can cause side effects and may make your asthma worse. To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments. The death rate from asthma has nearly doubled since the 1980s, but the condition is not new. There is mention of asthma in scriptures from China in 2600 B.C., and Ancient Egypt also mentions the symptoms of breathlessness and respiratory issues. Hippocrates (460 to 370 B.C) was the first to describe the condition found in Ancient Greece. Hippocrates was the first to link asthma symptoms to environmental triggers and specific trades and professions. Around 100 B.C. Aretaeus of Cappadocia composed a detailed definition of asthma. It is similar to how we today understand the development of the disease. The ancient Romans also explored the condition. In 50 A.D., Pliny the Elder discovered links between pollen and breathing difficulties. He was one of the first to recommend a predecessor of epinephrine, a quick-relief form of asthma treatment. In the 19th century, doctor Henry H. Salter made accurate descriptions and medical drawings of what happens in the lungs during asthma attacks. In 1892, one of the co-founders of the Johns Hopkins Medical School, William Osler, noted similarities between asthma and allergic conditions. These include hay fever, as well as the genetic nature of the disease. He also noted specific triggers of asthma such as climate, extreme emotion, and diet. The 1980s saw better comprehension of asthma as an inflammatory condition. It focused on the importance of the immune system. Doctors realized the need to manage asthma even if the symptoms do not occur. In traditional way, steam is a great way to relieve symptoms of asthma. It works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and improves airflow by clearing out mucus and congestion from the chest area. One can do this at home with a bowl of boiling water or by taking a hot shower. The old treatment for asthma was, Asthma cigarettes made from the leaves of Datura stramonium (thorn apple) were widely sold in the 1800s and into the early 1900s. These cigarettes provided a means of delivering an inhaled treatment; we now know that the active component of this smoke was antimuscarinic alkaloid. There are foods that are recomended for asthma patients. Almonds, hazelnuts, and raw seeds are good sources, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale. Cold weather during winters can aggravate many diseases including chronic lung diseases like Asthma, COPD, IPF and Acute lung infections like pneumonia. We know, cold, dry air causes the airways to narrow making it a non-ideal choice for asthmatics triggered by lower temperatures. It is documented that in general people with asthma, especially mild asthma that is well controlled, can travel to higher altitudes without breathing issues. It is important that if you are going to be doing strenuous activities like hiking or skiing, make sure you are in good shape and in fit condition before your trip.
World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May every year. This year 2023 World Asthma Day is observed on 2nd of May (Tuesday). On this day, various global and local organisations step forward together to combat the major global non-communicable disease in children and adults. World Asthma Day is organised by the GINA, a World Health Organization collaborative organisation founded in 1993. In 1998, more than 35 countries observed World Asthma Day, associated with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, Spain. Since then, World Asthma Day participation has grown, and the day has evolved into one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education activities. The annual event is observed to spread awareness about people suffering from asthma. It is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in collaboration with health care groups and asthma educators. Asthma is a prevalent problem worldwide. This year, 2023, the World Asthma Day theme given by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) is “Asthma Care for All,” which advocates the growth of accessibility and availability of high-quality medical care to lessen the disproportionate number of deaths and hospitalisations in caused by asthma in low and medium-income countries due to limited access to asthma care. The GINA strives to encourage all resource countries to develop and promote comprehensive asthma management programmes that curb global mortality and morbidity rates. Significance of World Asthma Day (WAD)- Asthma is the most frequent chronic condition among children and adults worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other governing authorities considered asthma as both a factor and an effect of poverty in low- and middle-income countries. The majority of the burden of asthma morbidity and mortality occurs in low and middle income countries. There are more than 300 million individuals that currently suffer from the disease and the prevalence continues to grow with each year, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Individuals of any age can suffer from asthma, but symptoms of the disease are most common in children. The prevalence of asthma varies widely in different regions of the world due to distinct genetic, environmental and occupational risk factors. However, this disparity appears to be closing as the prevalence in high-income countries is reaching a plateau whereas the prevalence in low and middle-income countries continues to rise. Worldwide, it is estimated that approximately 334 million people currently suffer from asthma, and 250,000 deaths are attributed to the disease each year. The prevalence of the disease is continuing to grow, and the overall prevalence is estimated to increase by 100 million by 2025. In India over 34 million people have asthma, and although this reflects only 13 per cent of the world’s population with asthma, 42 per cent of global asthma deaths occur in India. Both the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases recognise asthma as a priority and implement various strategies to increase asthma diagnosis, prevention and treatment. People with asthma in India face a disproportionately high burden of daily symptoms, negative impacts on quality of life, and absence from school and job. In addition, researchers in India, New York City, Spain, Turkey, and Bahrain have observed a lack of understanding and practice in the care of asthma in children and concluded that training programmes are necessary to increase understanding of children’s needs and cut down on student absences from school. The goal of this year’s theme, “Asthma Care for All,” is to encourage all resource-rich countries to create and execute comprehensive asthma management programmes that include but not limiting to: Updating recent information in prevention, diagnosis and treatment to pulmonologists, To conduct an asthma screening clinic (one day) for free, sponsored by a newspaper or pharmaceutical company, To create a radio advertisement about World Asthma Day, asthma control, ways to improve it, and how it affects hospitalization, To reach rural locations, organise a diagnostic, education, and treatment bus tour or a customised bus to carry patients to clinics, To educate children on or before World Asthma Day by visiting schools and conducting peak flow metre tests, Exhibiting asthma facts, therapies, control, and the link between uncontrolled asthma and hospitalisation in the local hospitals, To create an informative website with asthma clinic information, To inform local and national media about World Asthma Day, the local region’s asthma burden, hospitalisations, and asthma control, To invite asthmatic politicians and celebrities for support, To invite local celebrities and asthmatics to participate in World Asthma Day-sponsored walks, runs, swims, and soccer games. In brief, Asthma can be avoided by following the subsequent points: Avoiding exposure to asthma triggers such as air pollution, cold air, fragrances etc; Avoid contact with allergens; Avoid smoke from cigarettes, candles, incense, and fireworks; Staying away from sick people (cold or the flu); Keep the surroundings dust free; Taking vaccinations on time to prevent pneumonia, diphtheria, tetanus, zoster vaccine, and whooping cough; Adherent to asthma medications. In brief, we must eat healthy balanced diet, keep immunizations up-to-date, avoid tobacco or drugs, exercise as often as possible, stay aware of our emotions and moods, get enough sleep and wear proper protection at home, work place or play.
(The authors write exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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