It's Time to Control Asthma

As per the records of World Health Organization (WHO), over 235 million people currently suffer from asthma and it is the most chronic disease among children. It is now a public health problem and considering its graveness, government and health-related non-government organisations in all over the world are conducting numerous awareness programmes to bring asthma under control. 

World Asthma Day is one among such initiative and it takes place each year on the first Tuesday in May. Organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), it aims to raise awareness of asthma and improve asthma care throughout the world. Ever since the first World Asthma Day, in 1998, when only 35 countries participated, it has become one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education events.
Each year, GINA chooses a theme for World Asthma Day and provides many materials and resources to health care professionals, educators, members of the public and individuals who want to help raise awareness of asthma in order to achieve remarkable health and quality of life improvements for people with asthma.

This year the main theme of the event remains the old "You Can Control Your Asthma." However, this year GINA will also introduce a sub-theme, "It's Time to Control Asthma."

Even though many people in the health sector or government and general community believe that asthma is under control, however current data and evidence show that a large portion of people in developing nations are still unaware of the very basic and usual medication to control asthma.
Keep this into consideration that asthma is a major public health importance; here are some facts and details related to asthma, again for general understanding.

What is Asthma?

Asthma (AZ-ma) is a serious and often life-threatening chronic lung disease very much prevalent in all countries. It is a disease that affects the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. Swelling or inflation of airways makes it very sensitive and prone to various allergic reactions.
Person with Asthma have trouble in breathing because the airways in and out of the lungs have become too narrow and air can't get through. So, as he or she tries to breathe, a hissing sound appears which is the recurring periods of wheezing.

Asthma has no cure. However, it can be controlled with proper medication and management of environmental triggers. The symptoms and causes of asthma should be known to everyone for immediate relief. Even if someone is very much fine, he or she may have the disease that can flare up at any time.

Adequate knowledge on the ways to control asthma attacks (also termed as episodes) can help you lead a healthy, normal and active life and sound sleep through the night without interruption from asthma. So what are the signs, symptoms and causes of asthma?

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath are some of the common signs of Asthma. However, not all people with asthma have these symptoms, hence it’s important to do a thorough medical check up as soon as you get any of these symptoms persistently. Some systems can be fatal. Hence, a lung function text can better guide you to treat those systems when they first appear, so they don’t become severe.

What are the causes of asthma?

As per doctors, the fundamental causes of asthma are not entirely understood. Both indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. Triggers are those that cause asthma symptoms, an attack or episode. These can be dust mites (in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture), moulds, second hand smoke, cockroaches and pests, pets, cooking gas smell, outdoor air pollution, chemical irritants in the workplace etc.

Besides, there are some other triggers that include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise. Even certain medicines such as aspirin, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers can trigger asthma.

With environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions, it is also important to take some other health conditions such as runny nose, sinus infections, reflux disease, psychological stress, and sleep apnea as an inclusive part of asthma treatment. Any complexities in those health conditions can make asthma harder to manage.

How to control asthma?

As per doctors, asthma is different for every person. The above symptoms are not common for all patients. Different triggers cause different symptoms, as a result it's up to the doctors to design your medication with a combination of medicines. However, medication is not the only way to control asthma, it is also important to avoid asthma triggers.

It’s always the best to see a doctor who can help you identify those particles that trigger your asthma. Upon diagnosing the health condition, doctors then prescribe medicines which can help you prevent asthma episode. Lastly, it’s important for a patient to be attentive about his or health and follow doctor’s instructions regarding medication and regular checkups.

Read more on Panchakarma Treatment for Asthma.