Asthma affects millions of people around the world, young and old alike. World Asthma Day on 5th May every year is a reminder to pause, learn, and talk openly about this chronic respiratory condition. With the right knowledge, lifestyle choices, and medical care, asthma doesn’t have to stand in the way of a full and active life.
Let’s break it down in a simple, easy‐to‐understand way.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the air passage of the lungs, causing severe respiratory problems. It is a non-communicable disease that causes the airways to swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. Breathing becomes difficult; as a result, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing may occur.
Asthma may be a minor issue for some people, but it can be life threatening for others. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medication. By avoiding asthma triggers, the severity of the disease can be reduced.
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors. These may differ from person to person:
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander
- Air pollutants including smoke, vehicle emissions, and strong odors
- Weather changes, especially cold air or sudden temperature shifts
- Respiratory infections that cause cold or flu
- Physical exertion without proper warm-up (exercise‐induced asthma)
- Stress and strong emotions which can affect breathing patterns
While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right approach:
- Avoid known triggers wherever possible
- Follow prescribed medication plans, including preventive inhalers
- Regular medical checkups to monitor the health of lungs
- Use inhalers correctly and keep them accessible
- Maintain a clean and ventilated environment
- Practice breathing exercises and stress management techniques
Asthma has a variety of symptoms, but the most common are squealing, whistling, or wheezing sounds made while breathing. Other asthma symptoms may include:
- Coughing while laughing or exercising
- Chest tightness or pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- Symptoms may vary from person to person. However, look out for these signs which will help you know if your asthma is getting worse.
- The need of using quick-relief inhaler more often than usual
- More frequent asthma symptoms
- Increase in breathing difficulty, as measured using a peak flow meter
1. Your doctor will recommend one or a combination of the following treatments based on the type of asthma you have, your age, and your triggers.
2. Breathing exercises can help increase lung capacity by getting more air into and out of the lungs.
3. Long-term asthma medications include inhalers, pills, and combinations of inhalers.
4. Quick-relief medications help with short-term and rapid asthma symptoms and come handy during an asthma attack. Your doctor may also recommend you take quick-relief medications before exercising or before most cardiovascular activities. One such medication is a bronchodilator, which works within minutes to clear the airways.
5. Bronchial thermoplasty is a procedure used to treat severe asthma. In this treatment, the electrode is used to heat the airwaves inside the lungs, helping reduce the size of the muscles and prevent them from tightening.
- A balanced and nutritious diet supports overall respiratory health and immunity:
- Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants help reduce inflammation
- Omega‐3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) may support lung health
- Adequate hydration helps keep airways clear
- Avoiding known food sensitivities that may worsen symptoms
- Healthy eating, combined with medical care, plays a supportive role in managing asthma more effectively.
On World Asthma Day, let us commit to spreading awareness, encouraging early care, and supporting those living with asthma. With the right knowledge, care, and lifestyle choices, individuals with asthma can lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
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