World Asthma Day
WHO recognizes that asthma is of major public health importance. According to WHO, it was estimated that more than 339 million people had Asthma globally (1) and there were 417,918 deaths due to asthma at the global level in 2016.
Why is World Asthma Day important?
Although asthma cannot be cured, it is possible to manage asthma to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, also called episodes or exacerbations. Common misconceptions surrounding asthma include:
- Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.
- Asthma is infectious.
- Asthma sufferers should not exercise.
- Asthma is only controllable with high-dose steroids.
How to observe World Asthma Day
General Precautions to practice safety in the workplace:
- Your safety is your personal responsibility.
- Always follow the correct procedures.
- Never take shortcuts.
- Take responsibility and clean up if you made a mess.
- Clean and organize your workspace.
- Ensure a clear and easy route to emergency exits and equipment.
- Be alert and awake on the job.
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Tip:
The Truth is:
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- Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly)
- Asthma is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. Or In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts in adulthood is less often allergic.
- When asthma is well controlled, asthma subjects are able to exercise and even perform the top sport.
- Asthma is most often controllable with low dose inhaled steroids
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Resources
The lesson on World Asthma Day
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance
- ginasthma.org
