Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the bronchial tubes, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Persons with asthma might suffer from asthma symptoms several times during the day or the week. These symptoms often exacerbate when practicing physical activity or during night time.
According to the WHO latest estimates, there are about 334 million asthma patients around the world. It is one of the most common diseases among children. Domestically, studies show that the incidence of asthma within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranges from 15 to 25 per cent.
Key Facts:
- Most asthma-associated deaths occur in the low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- Inhaling respiratory irritants is deemed to be the most serious asthma risk factor.
- Anti-asthma drugs, in addition to avoiding asthmatic triggers, are envisaged to control the disease and improve the patients' quality of life.
- Asthma is a serious health problem facing not only high-income countries. It takes place in all countries, regardless of its level of development. Indeed, most of asthma deaths take place in low-income countries.
- Asthma diagnosis and treatment are not up to the desired level in the low-income countries, where the disease constitutes a burden on individuals and families and often impairs individuals' activities for a lifetime.
Internationally Approved Date: 05/5/2015
Locally Approved Date: 16/7/1436H
Theme of the World Asthma Day:
“You Can Control Your Asthma”
Logo:
- Children and adults suffering from asthma.
- Patients' families.
- Health workers (doctors, pharmacists, nurses and health educationists).
- Education workers (teachers, social workers, etc.).
- Health decision-makers.
- Health associations and institutions.
- The public.