Medicine is constantly developing, doctors and scientists are finding new methods of treatment, studying diseases. But nevertheless , the number of pathologies does not decrease. WHO, in conjunction with the UN, regularly sets new dates for certain diseases. These days are created to remind of those terrible illnesses that pose a threat to humanity and which we have not yet won. This is how the Day of Fight against AIDS and HIV and the Day of Fight Against Tuberculosis appeared. And in late spring, World Asthma and Allergy Day was established.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness. It can ultimately become the cause of death and, accompanying a person throughout his life, significantly affects all its aspects and creates many restrictions. Allergy is an increased sensitivity of the body to the effects of certain allergens (food, animals, household chemicals, etc.) and it is also one of the causes of asthma, so it is not surprising that doctors want to combine these two diseases on the same date.
World Asthma Day in numbers
These diseases clearly deserve such close attention. According to the WHO, there are approximately 300 million asthma patients worldwide. And this figure is increasing by 1.5 times every ten years. This corresponds to 10% of children and 5% of the adult population.
Studies of doctors in different regions of the world have revealed that up to 60% of all cases cannot be controlled with standard anti-asthma drugs, and individual, more expensive treatment is needed.
World Asthma Day is held on May 30 in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries.
Thus, up to 80% of all deaths are observed in third world countries, where the level of education and material well-being of the population is low.
- Every third person suffers from some type of allergy. Statistical data for Russia show that allergies are observed in 30% of the population.
- World Asthma Day is held on May 30 in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries.
- Officially in the world, events to combat bronchial asthma are planned for the first Tuesday of May.
- In 1998, 35 countries took part in them, today there are more than 80 states.
How the events are held and who is involved
The event was first held in May 1998 and coincided with the forum on this disease. Today, this event takes place every year, held by the World Health Organization under the auspices of the Global Asthma Initiative, either on the set day – May 30 (Russia, Belarus), or alternatively – on the first Tuesday of May.
The event covers a large number of participants. First of all, these are doctors and scientists involved in the study and treatment of asthma – pulmonologists, therapists, physiologists, laboratory assistants. Numerous politicians, social activists, representatives of various foundations, media personalities, volunteers, teachers and students of the best medical universities also take part .
Many asthmatics speak at lectures and seminars to share their experience, demonstrate by their example the importance of the problem and the need to find a way out of the current situation.
History and traditions of the holiday
World Asthma Day was established by order of the World Health Organization to educate people about the causes of the disease, clinical manifestations, treatments and complications. The Global Asthma Initiative was launched in 1989 to focus the attention of physicians, policy-makers and specialists in various fields of science on this disease, and to improve the quality and availability of diagnosis and treatment for asthma patients and people suffering from allergenic diseases.
The main idea pursued by the participants and specialists is the promotion of early diagnosis and regular examinations. With the assistance of television and radio stations, the organizers increase the reach of the target audience, attract the attention of potential sponsors, motivate healthcare workers to provide medical care for asthmatics and disseminate information to people at risk.
Traditionally, every year the organizers of the Asthma Day devote the event to a specific topic, according to GINA, which is the most relevant.
The main tasks of the holiday
Asthma and Allergy Day has a number of goals and objectives:
- familiarizing the public with the main topic of this year;
- conducting lectures aimed at highlighting the problem of bronchial asthma and allergies, conveying information about the symptoms of the disease, treatment and prevention, as well as organizing television and radio broadcasts on this topic;
- dissemination of knowledge about methods of preventing not only asthma, but also other chronic respiratory diseases;
- holding conferences and seminars to discuss the problems of diseases, new ways of treating them, attracting new volunteers;
- rewarding the doctors who have made the greatest contribution to the treatment and prevention of the disease, certificates, diplomas, etc .;
- fundraising by charitable organizations to help the sick.
The Dangers of Asthma and the Importance of Controlling the Disease Globally
For the first time, a disease resembling asthma in its symptoms was described by Hippocrates. Even then, it was pointed out that the reasons could be dampness and cold. Later, a theory appeared about the allergenic nature of asthma and the influence of provoking environmental factors. But even at a time when people’s living conditions were not the best, the problem was not as global as it is today. Asthma suffers from all over the world, regardless of the level of the country’s economy, its size or geographic location.
The disease can manifest itself in both children and adults. At the same time, it is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy the possibility of developing asthma, as well as to completely eliminate provoking factors (climate, environmental pollution, heredity, etc.). That is why it is necessary to fight the problem of a planetary scale.
Despite the fact that the mortality rate from this disease is low, it cannot be underestimated. The consequences of not being treated can be both disability and death. The most dangerous complications are:
- acute and chronic respiratory failure;
- emphysema of the lung;
- ruptured lung;
- heart failure;
- sudden cardiac arrest;
- disorders of brain activity as a result of lack of oxygen.
Conclusion
Over the years, doctors and scientists have been struggling to create a medicine that will completely cure asthma. But today, the health care system can provide asthmatics only with drugs that control asthma symptoms, but do not address the root cause. Treatment of a chronic disease is reduced to ensuring a full life, as well as preventing possible asthma attacks with the help of preventive measures.
Correct medication, physiotherapy and even psychotherapeutic treatment will make it possible to ensure that the disease does not threaten life in general and minimally affects all its areas.
And events such as Asthma and Allergy Day provide an opportunity to inform people about the disease, teach the rules of prevention, as well as exchange experiences and look for new ways to solve a problem of this magnitude.