World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of May. This year, it is celebrated on May 2, in order to raise awareness about this chronic disease and improve care around the world.
When it comes to this breathing disease, it is important to note that city life can cause a threat to many people, especially among children due to high levels of pollution.
Does city life make you asthma-prone?
Smoking triggers asthma attacks but of late, air pollution has been labeled as one of the most important triggers of asthma. Besides air pollution, viral infection, poor inhaler use, pollen, changing weather, and strong smells are other common triggers for an asthma attack.
“We have noticed a very peculiar trend in asthma. The diagnosis and complications in the younger generation are increasing. Many younger school-going kids have bad asthma control that is leading to frequent attacks,” observed Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director, and Unit Head Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, told IndiaToday.in.
He added that many kids are scared to take inhalers, which are again leading to attacks. “However, post Covid, patient awareness of vaccinations has improved, and they are taking flu vaccinations because of this. The frequency of severe attacks has gone down in the elderly population as well, especially in winter,” he said.
“Since most asthmatics have an allergic history, patients usually experience symptoms of chest tightness, breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing that is worse at night or early morning. Other allergic manifestations like running nose, sneezing, and skin rashes may also be present. If treated on time it, can be controlled easily,” said Dr Jha.
source: https://www.indiatoday.in/