"Asthma Care For All"- Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)

World Asthma Day is a global healthcare initiative commemorated every year on the first Tuesday of May, this year it falls on 2nd May 2023. Asthma has become a global concern because it's one of the significant health disorders or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that impact both children and adults.?

Breathing is the lifeline and difficulty in breathing is a considerable threat to life, so it becomes highly essential to take steps to prevent, monitor, manage, and treat Asthma which is possible only by proper access to healthcare facilities.?

This year on World Asthma Day GINA initiates a global awareness campaign of "Asthma Care For All" to advocate the availability of high-end medical care services to all the people fighting with Asthma and reduce the number of deaths due to Asthma. GINA ( Global Initiative For Asthma) sends a clearer message to the governments of all countries to take all the steps and run awareness programs required to curb mortality rates due to Asthma.?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects people of all ages, and it's characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you see any signs and symptoms of asthma, it's important to seek diagnosis, medical advice, and treatment.?

According to the Global Asthma Report 2018, over 26 million people suffer from asthma in India. Statistics reveal that about three people die from Asthma attacks every day. Speaking particularly of India approximately 57,000 people die every year. Despite the possibility of controlling and managing this chronic health disorder, we are losing thousands of people every year. It's time to shift focus from cure to prevention because Asthma is avoidable by paying attention to the triggers and managing the conditions effectively.?

It's recommended to observe the initial signs and take measures accordingly.?

Identify and avoid triggers: Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but common triggers include allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould, and specific food products. Exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong odors can also trigger asthma symptoms. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help to prevent asthma attacks.

Maintain a healthy active lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of developing asthma and manage asthma symptoms. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking proper rest.

Manage allergies: Allergies are one of the significant reasons that can be a trigger for asthma, so it's important to manage them effectively. For this it is highly essential to identify the allergen with timely diagnosis, taking proper consultation from the clinician, and follow the medication regime to reduce the body's response to allergens.

Follow a medically prescribed routine: Asthma medication can help to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. It's important to take medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to carry an inhaler at all times.

Avoid visiting low-oxygen places:

Oxygen-rich air and pollution-free air help to control asthma attacks. It's always recommended to avoid the triggers than running after managing the triggers that might lead to unpleasant Asthma attacks. Stay in properly oxygenated places, and avoid low-lying mountain areas, plains are the best fit for your health conditions. Also, if you are in highly polluted areas, it's recommended to make use of air purifiers.?

Regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help to manage asthma symptoms and prevent complications. A healthcare provider can also adjust medication as needed to ensure that symptoms are well-managed. So, if you already have Asthma or you are observing initial symptoms of developing Asthma in both cases managing Asthma with timely diagnostic care becomes a must.?

Asthma has now become a common chronic respiratory disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and its impact is increasing due to ignorance and improper medical care. It's important that everyone, regardless of their social or economic status, has access to quality asthma care. Here are some of the necessary considerations for providing asthma care for all.

Focus on Education and Awareness: Educating people about asthma and how to manage the condition is essential. This includes providing information on asthma triggers, symptoms, and medication. Awareness campaigns can also help to reduce stigma around the condition and encourage people to seek help.

Access to High-Quality Healthcare: Everyone should have access to healthcare, including diagnosis and treatment for asthma. This includes access to healthcare providers, medication, and equipment like inhalers and nebulizers.

Affordable Medication: Medication is a crucial component of asthma care, but it can be expensive. Affordable medication options, including generic medications, can help to ensure that everyone has access to the medication they need.

Community-based Care: Empathy over sympathy. Community-based care can be an effective way to provide asthma care to people who may not have easy access to healthcare. This can include mobile clinics, community health workers, and outreach programs.

Addressing Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, including air pollution and poor living conditions, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Addressing these factors, such as through clean air initiatives and improved housing, can help to improve asthma care for all.

Overall, providing access to quality asthma care for all requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, healthcare access, affordable medication, community-based care, and addressing environmental factors. By prioritizing Asthma Care for All, we can help to ensure that people with asthma can manage their symptoms effectively and lead healthy, active lives. It's important to work towards making asthma care more accessible and affordable for everyone.