GINA(Global Initiative For Asthma) is the world’s biggest organization who spreads awareness or organizes the function on World Asthma Day to spread awareness among the people. In 2023, World Asthma Day is being celebrated on 2nd May,2023. GINA chose the “ Asthma Care For All” theme for World Asthma Day 2023.  In 1998, the first World Asthma day was celebrated in more than 35 countries. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease.In this, the airways get narrowed, swollen and get blocked by excess mucus which causes repeated  breathlessness, coughing, chest pain and wheezing. In humans, Air moves in and out of the lungs through these airways i.e bronchial tubes and these airways remain swollen in asthma. It is believed that Asthma cannot be cured, but it is possible to manage asthma to reduce and prevent asthmatic attacks. The most common factors for asthma problems are respiratory infection, genetics problem, wood dust,  chemicals, fragrance and allergic problems. 

Causes of Asthma:-

1. Genetics:- If your family has asthma disease, then you are at higher risk of developing this disease.
2. Allergic:- Allergic problems can increase the risk of asthma disease. Allergies include pet dander, molds and pollen. 
3. Respiratory infection:- Respiratory infection can also raise asthma disease. Respiratory problems during infancy or childhood can cause wheezing.
4. Smoking:- Smoking also increases asthma disease.  Most smokers have a high risk of asthma disease.
5. Air pollution:- Air pollution creates a high risk of asthma disease. It includes wildfire smoke and car exhaust. 
6. Chemicals, wood dust and fragrances:- It also creates a high risk of asthma disease. Due to chemicals, wood dust and fragrances it is more likely to cause breathing problem.
7. Pets:- If you are allergic to pets then it may increase the asthma problem. If you are allergic to pet dander then it may also cause asthma.
8. Pests:- Cockroaches, mice, lizards and other pests can cause asthma disease.
9. Dust Mites:- Dust mites can also cause asthma. Dust mites are not visible but they are around us. 
10. Certain occupational exposures:- If you are allergic from dust wood or from dust flour or cleaning products then it causes asthma disease. These all are the triggers of asthma.

Symptoms of Asthma:-

      Asthma  shows these kinds of symptoms :-

• Muscles tighten and heaviness in the chest
• Difficult in breathing due to swelling inside the airways
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Increase in pulse rate
• Throat blocked and dry
• Excessive Coughing
• Wheezing
• Being allergy to smoke
• Feeling sick during exercise
• Heavy breathing
• Frequent infection
• Trouble  sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty in walking or talking

Prevention of Asthma

• Keep away from allergens such as dust or mold – If you have asthma problem, then stay away from the allergens because it makes it difficult for you to breathe.
• Take your Asthma medicine as prescribed – When you feel OK then also you have to take medicine as prescribed by the doctor. If medicine doesn’t suit you then contact the doctor again. 
• Avoid triggers such as fragrances, pollution and smoke – Avoid triggers such as fragrances, pollution, smoke, pets, chemicals that make your asthma problem worse.
• Keep away from chemical products – Stay away from chemicals, smells and products that harm your body and increase your asthma problem.
• Quit smoking- If you do smoke, then get help to quit smoking as it increases the asthma problem. And if you don’t but people surrounding you do smoking, stay away from them.
• Exercise regularly – Doing exercise regularly actually reduces the breathing problem. But you do not have to do heavy exercise.
• Managing stress – Stress makes your asthma problem more critical. So don’t take stress. 
• Eating a healthy diet – Eating a healthy diet improves your overall health.
• Stay away from pets – If you are allergic to pets then stay away from pets as their hairs can make it difficult to you take breath.
• Follow your Asthma action plan – Always keep your inhaler with you. Always take medicine according to time and prescribed by the doctor.
• Prevent colds – Avoid contacting those people who have colds or flu because it makes your asthma symptoms worse.
• Monitor your breathing – Always monitor your breathing if you get difficulty in breathing, take your medicine.
• Get vaccinated – Every year getting vaccinated from flu. Also should get a pneumococcal vaccine over five years.

What is Asthma

Asthma is a common disease of the bronchi in which airways get inflamed, narrow, and swells and produce extra mucus which causes difficulty in breathing. During the Asthmatic attack, a person feels uneasy, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.  Asthmatic attacks are usually treated with inhalers and steroids.

There are many factors that cause Asthma. It can be genetic, environmental factors like house dust, air pollution, tobacco smoke, and even Urbanization can also be one of the factors.

Symptoms of asthma

1. Shortness of breath
2. Pain in chest
3. Coughing especially at night

Asthma is diagnosed with the help of clinical history and pulmonary function test-Spirometry (breathing tests). There is no promising cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with effective treatment and management. To manage Asthma take medicines as directed by a medical professional and learning to avoid triggers that cause asthma symptoms.

Preventive measures for asthma patients

1.Asthma action plan– Develop an action plan with your doctor. The plan should contain important information like how to handle asthma, medications, and how to control your asthma symptoms in the long run. Controlling your treatment can make you feel more in control of your condition.

2. Get vaccinated against flu- Get a vaccine to safeguard against the virus flu. People with asthma are more likely to possess complications from the flu, like pneumonia. So staying updated with all necessary vaccinations can prevent flu and chest infections that will trigger asthma rise.

3. Identify and avoid asthma triggers- If you have an allergy to any substance than be sure to minimize exposure to that substance. Several outdoor allergens and irritants such as cold air and air pollution can cause asthma attacks. Find out your asthma triggers, and take steps to avoid those triggers.

4. Keep Your Surroundings Allergy-Proof- Whether you are at home, work, or traveling, there are things you can do to make your environment free from allergens and lower your chances of an asthma attack. Do not eat in smoky restaurants, reserve a smoke-free hotel room and if possible take your own bedding.

5. Take your medications- asthma medications are prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks, you need to take them every day. They will reduce inflammation in your airways and keep your asthma under control.

6. Work out and dietary changes- Maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle, which must have physical activities and a healthy diet. Breathing exercises are always good for asthma patients. Have a balanced diet with vegetables and fruits that are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, such as vitamins C, D, and E. Ask your doctor to advise you about an appropriate workout routine and diet plan that’s safe for you to follow and can keep you fit.

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://ginasthma.org/wad/