Asthma

 Asthma

Asthma is a major non-communicable disease. It is a chronic condition of the air passages in the lungs, which causes them to become inflamed and shrink in size.

It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from asthma in 2016 (1). It is a common disease among children.

Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

According to WHO estimates, there were 417,918 asthma deaths worldwide and 24.8 million DALYS attributable to asthma in 2016 (2, 3).

The biggest risk factors for the development of asthma are substances and particles that are inhaled and can cause allergic reactions or irritate the airways.

Asthma can be controlled with medication. You can also reduce the severity of asthma by avoiding the triggers.

Good management helps to give the asthma patient a good quality of life.

Asthma is a major non-communicable disease characterized by recurrent attacks with breathing difficulties and wheezing. Symptoms may occur several times a day or week and may worsen in some people during physical exertion or at night. During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the bronchial tubes to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out.

Common symptoms of recurrent asthma include insomnia, daytime fatigue, decreased activity and absenteeism from school and work. Compared to other chronic diseases, asthma has a relatively low case fatality rate.

Asthma Facts

It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from asthma (1). Asthma is the most common chronic non-communicable disease among children. Most deaths occur in the elderly.

Asthma is not a public health problem limited to high-income countries; it occurs in all countries, regardless of their level of development. Most asthma deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated. It places a heavy burden on individuals and families and often limits the patient's activity throughout his or her life.

Causes

The root causes of asthma have not yet been fully elucidated. The biggest risk factors are related to a combination of genetic predisposition and exposure to inhalation of substances and particles in the environment, which can cause allergic reactions or irritate the respiratory tract, for example:

indoor allergens (such as dust mites in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture, pollutants and pet dander);

Outdoor allergens (pollens and molds);

tobacco smoke;

irritating chemicals in the workplace;

air pollution.

Other possible triggers include cold air, strong emotions such as fear or anger, or physical exercise. Even certain medications can trigger asthma attacks: aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or beta-blockers (prescribed for high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine).

Urbanization has also been associated with an increase in asthma, but the exact nature of this association is unclear.

Reduce the burden of disease due to asthma

If asthma cannot be cured, proper management can help control the disease and maintain a good quality of life. Short-term medication is given to relieve symptoms. Medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, are necessary to control the progression of severe asthma, reduce exacerbations and mortality.

People with persistent symptoms should receive long-term daily medication to control the underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms and exacerbations. Inadequate access to medication and health services is a major reason for poor asthma control in many places.

Medication is not the only way to control asthma. It is also important to avoid anything that can trigger attacks, i.e. stimuli that cause irritation or inflammation of the airways. With the help of the doctor, every asthmatic must learn to avoid what triggers attacks.

Although asthma kills fewer people than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic diseases, improper medication or poor compliance can lead to death.

WHO Strategy for Asthma Prevention and Control

The WHO recognizes that asthma is a disease of great public health importance. The Organization plays a role in coordinating international action against the disease. Its strategy is to support Member States in their efforts to reduce the burden of disease, disability and premature mortality.

Objectives of the program:

to improve access to cost-effective interventions, including drugs, and the quality and accessibility of care at different levels of the health system; and

conduct surveillance to map the extent of asthma, analyze its determinants and monitor trends, with a focus on poor and disadvantaged populations; provide primary prevention to reduce the level of exposure to common risk factors, particularly tobacco smoke, frequent lower respiratory tract infections during childhood, and air pollution (indoor, outdoor and occupational exposure).