World Asthma Day 2021

World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness about Asthma and improves the lives of all people with Asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways causing symptoms such as cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

This year’s World Asthma Day theme is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions”. The theme provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that prevent persons with asthma from enjoying optimal benefit from the major advances in the management of this condition. Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include:

Myth #1

Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.

Fact: No, asthma can develop at any age in children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Myth #2

Asthma is infectious.

Fact: Asthma is not infectious. However, Acute attack gets precipitated on exposure to various allergens or due to infections (mostly viral).

Myth #3

Asthma sufferers should not exercise.

Fact: When asthma is well controlled, asthma subjects are able to exercise and even perform top sport.

Myth #4

Asthma is only controllable with high dose steroids.

Fact: Asthma is most often controllable with low dose inhaled steroids.

COVID-19 has brought suffering to people everywhere. But patients with asthma are more affected during COVID. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, here are few measures for Asthma patients:

Steps to protect yourself from COVID-19

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine shot when it is available.
  • Wear a mask that properly covers your nose and mouth.
  • Maintain social distancing and stay at least 6 feet distance while at public places.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol several times in a day
  • Avoid all non-essential travel
  • If anyone in your home is sick, home quarantine the person to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Tips to Manage Asthma

  • Stay away from your asthma triggers.
  • Continue having your regular asthma medications including inhalers with steroids
  • Never discontinue any medications or change asthma treatment plant without talking to your physician
  • Stock at home your emergency supply of prescription medications such as inhalers and other drugs. Make sure you also maintain a stock of non-prescription medications and essentials on hand.
  • Be very cautious while using any cleaning agents and disinfectants.