Asthma is a major non- communicable disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person.
Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night.
During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swell, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs.
Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases.
Facts about asthma
- WHO estimates that 235 million people currently suffer from asthma. Asthma is the most common non-communicable disease among children. Most deaths occur in older adults.
- Asthma is a public health problem not just for high-income countries; it occurs in all countries regardless of the level of development. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries.
- Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated. It creates substantial burden to individuals and families and often restricts individuals’ activities for a lifetime.
- According to the latest WHO estimates, released in December 2016, there were 383 000 deaths due to asthma in 2015.
Reducing the asthma burden Although asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. Medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are needed to control the progression of severe asthma and reduce asthma exacerbation and deaths. People with persistent symptoms must take long-term medication daily to control the underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms and exacerbations. It is also important to avoid asthma triggers – stimuli that irritate and inflame the airways. Facebook WhatsApp Twitter LinkedIn Email Related Articles Health Information Anti-Microbial Resistance: Your Infections Are Fighting BackAnti-microbial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness and death. This resistance can occur naturally over time but is accelerated by factors such as overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture.  Health Information Nocebo: Your Negativity is Preventing Your Drugs From WorkingThe nocebo effect in medical studies represents how negative expectations and beliefs can undermine the effectiveness of medical interventions, rendering potentially beneficial treatments useless.  Diseases & Conditions Lung Cancer: Your 1 Cue to Quit SmokingLung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, often leading to symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.  Diseases & Conditions Prostate Cancer: A Journey Through Detection, Treatment, and PreventionWhen Ugonna turned 55, he felt in the best shape of his life. His diet was balanced, he exercised regularly, and he went for yearly checkups. But during one routine visit, his doctor suggested a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.  Diseases & Conditions All About Hepatitis: The Liver Inflammatory DiseaseHepatitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver, the main organ responsible for various bodily functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and digestion.  Health Information Discussing Hearing Loss: World Hearing DayWorld Hearing Day, observed every 3rd of March, is a WHO initiative aiming to raise awareness about hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care globally. Subscribe to our newsletterSubscribe to our newsletter to receive articles like these in your email. We also share with you offers, news and other updates. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt-out at any time.  Let’s connectWe will love to connect with you. For your health needs, inquiries, suggestions or feedback simply hit the ‘Get in touch’ button let’s connect.   |
