World Asthma Day 2024: People observe World Asthma Day annually on the initial Tuesday of May. The date falls on May 7 this year. We hold an annual awareness-raising event to remember those afflicted with asthma. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) arranges it in collaboration with health care organizations and asthma educators. Asthma is a pervasive health concern globally. Are you aware that asthma affects an estimated 25 million Americans? A chronic disease of the airway, asthma is classified as such. As a result of inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs, obstruction and respiratory difficulties ensue.
World Asthma Day: History
Asthma is a prevalent concern; in 2019, the World Health Organization reported that 262 million people had the condition, which was responsible for over 460,000 fatalities. Since the 1980s, the mortality rate attributable to asthma has nearly doubled, but the condition is not new. Chinese scriptures dating back to 2600 B.C. document asthma, and ancient Egyptian texts also mention the symptoms of respiratory difficulties and shortness of breath.
Hippocrates (460–370 B.C.) authored the initial description of the ancient Greek condition. Hippocrates established the initial connection between environmental triggers and particular occupations and vocations. Aretaeus of Cappadocia formulated an exhaustive definition of asthma around 100 B.C. It is comparable to our current understanding of the disease’s progression. The ancient Romans also investigated the condition. Pliny the Elder identified connections between pollen and respiratory distress in 50 A.D. One of the initial proponents of a precursor to epinephrine, a rapid-acting asthma medication, was him.
Doctor Henry H. Salter created precise illustrations and descriptions of the pathological processes occurring in the airways during episodes of asthma during the 19th century. William Osler, a co-founder of the Johns Hopkins Medical School, identified parallels between allergic conditions and asthma in 1892. These encompass the genetic component of the disease as well as hay fever. In addition, he identified particular asthma triggers, including diet, extreme emotion, and climate. In the 1980s, asthma was better understood as an inflammatory disorder. It emphasized the criticality of the immune system. Doctors came to understand that asthma must be managed even in the absence of symptoms.
World Asthma Day: FAQs
Why is the significance of Asthma Day observed?
The purpose of this event is to assist patients by bringing together healthcare professionals and increasing awareness of respiratory diseases.
Is asthma hereditary?
In most cases, asthma runs in families.
Does asthma have its own month?
May is designated as Awareness Month for Asthma.
Five Interesting Aspects of Asthma
- Asthma affects approximately 7% of adolescents and 8% of adults.
- Asthma affects approximately 5.1 million children under the age of 18.
- Asthma-related complications result in three times the likelihood of hospitalization for women compared to males.
- Daily, asthma claims the lives of ten Americans on average.
- 5.5% of females have asthma compared to 8.4% of boys.
World Asthma Day: Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 7 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | May 6 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
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