New Delhi (NVI): Around 235 million people are living with asthma, which is the most common chronic disease among children worldwide, according to WHO.
World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May to spread awareness about the prevention and cure of the disease.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing difficulties. It is caused by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes that sometimes leads to allergens, stress or changes in temperature. The major symptoms of asthma include breathlessness, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
World Asthma Day is annually organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). But this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has postponed a global campaign planned to be launched at this day.
GINA is an initiative taken by the US-based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB).
The organization’s main aim is to improve asthma prevention and management through a coordinated worldwide effort.
In the year 1998, World Asthma Day was celebrated for the first time in Barcelona, Spain. It was celebrated in more than 35 countries in association with the organization.
During this day, asthma patients are made aware of the safety measurements they can take to help them cope with their condition.
But this time due to global pandemic lockdown, many of the activities will be telecasted online. It includes free screenings for asthma, media advertising, talk show and education.
