World Asthma Day

World Asthma Day History

World Asthma Day seeks to bring to attention the burden of asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder impacting millions worldwide. This observance highlights the risk factors, symptoms, and preventions, as well as to advocate for better diagnostic methods and improved access to necessary medications. It is an important day for patients, caregivers, medical practitioners, and policymakers, enabling understanding, discussion, and action around this global health issue.

Asthma in India is a significant health concern, having a considerable impact on the country's population. According to the World Health Organization, India hosts about 15-20 million asthmatics. The history of World Asthma Day, started by GINA in 1998, has seen various themes each year, focusing on aspects like, ‘Never Too Early, Never Too Late. It's always the right time to address airways disease.' and 'You Can Control Your Asthma'. These themes resonate with the Indian context too, as a vast population stands exposed to air pollution, tobacco smoke and other triggering factors, making disease management a critical area.

World Asthma Day in India is observed with a wide range of activities. Asthma screening camps, awareness rallies, and special lectures are organized by healthcare institutions, non-governmental organizations and government bodies. Here, participants are educated on the importance of a healthy environment, recognizing early symptoms, avoiding triggers, and adherence to medication. Digital campaigns and media coverage aid in wider dissemination of information. World Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday of May, reinforcing the need to address this chronic disease earnestly and effectively.

Facts about World Asthma Day

• The theme for World Asthma Day in 2024 Asthma Education Empowers.
  In 2023, the theme was Asthma care for All.
• According to the CDC, in 2023, 7.7% of Americans have asthma, roughly 45 million people.
  According to the National Library of Medicine, in 2022, approximately 300 million people worldwide have asthma.
• Indian Council of Medical Research presented data on World Asthma Day, which illustrated that the 'Severe Asthma Burden in India' was $18 million in the year 2016.
• As per a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal in 2018, India witnessed over 100,000 deaths due to Asthma, the highest in the world.

In the News and Trending in India for World Asthma Day

Top things to do in India for World Asthma Day

• Read about an interview with a school girl with asthma.
• Watch this video on what happens during an extreme asthma attack.
• Visit the Asthma Bhawan in Jaipur, a center dedicated to providing free treatment and education about allergies and asthma.
• Plan a visit to the Himalayas or other mountainous regions, known for their clean, fresh air to promote lung health.