World Asthma Day is observed on annually on the first Tuesday of May by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This year, the day it is falling on May 6, 2025. The day aims to raise awareness about asthma- one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases. According to GINA, asthma affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450,000 deaths each year worldwide. It affects both children and adults, but it is considered the most common chronic disease in children.
World Asthma Day 2025 Theme
GINA has chosen the theme “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL” for 2025’s Asthma day. With this, GINA emphasises the need to ensure that people with asthma can access inhaled medications that are essential both for controlling the underlying disease and treating attacks.
What Is Asthma? Understanding Symptoms & Triggers
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and come and go over time. Asthma attacks can result in hospital admission and, in some cases, death can also occur. Therefore, an early diagnosis and proper medication is advised for the patients.
Here’s what you need to know about Asthma, the disease doesn’t always begin with attacks or emergency room visits. It often begins when you least expect it to be. It can begin with a persistent cough, occasional wheezing, or shortness of breath during routine activity. Some people mistake these early symptoms for a cold, allergies or simply fitness. This delay in diagnosis can pose a great risk. According to pulmonologists, asthma, when undetected and untreated, can gradually reduce lung function and increase the risk of severe attacks.
Therefore, it is advised to pay attention to unusual health conditions and get them checked. Early diagnosis helps prevent irreversible airway damage and manage the long term risk. It is particularly beneficial for children, as it helps to helps avoid disruptions to school, sports, and social life to some extent.
If left untreated, asthma can be life-threatening. However, with the right medication and care, it can be managed effectively. Symptoms may vary among individuals; for some, coughing worsens at night, while others may experience breathlessness during physical activity. Sudden worsening of symptoms, known as an asthma attack, requires immediate medical attention. Common triggers include dust, smoke, cold weather, pets, stress, or that respiratory infections like colds or fever.
Asthma Prevention
It is important to note that asthma cannot be prevented, but can be managed with a proper plan and help of doctors. Some actions that patients can take to avoid its worsening are:
Avoiding Triggers: People can Identify and minimize exposure to common asthma triggers such as dust, pollen, smoke, dust mites, air pollution.
Maintaining good air quality indoors.
Following Asthma Action Plan advised by doctors.
Taking medication, getting vaccinated.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle.
Also Read: Asthma Treatment Made Possible With Patanjali! How One Medicine Can Cure Lung Diseases
