235 million people suffer from asthma worldwide: WHO

ALLAHABAD: Uncontrolled emissions in various parts of the city have been causing increase in the number of asthma patients. As Sangam city observed World Asthma Day on Tuesday and a series of events were organised with an objective to create awareness about asthma, health officials said a rapid rise in number of patients had been witnessed across the world.
"The number of asthma patients has increased by nearly 10% in the last two years" said deputy CMO, Dr Vivek Srivastva, adding, "According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, 235 million people suffer from asthma worldwide".
Doctors claimed only awareness can bring desired results, people of the city on Tuesday observed the day with the theme 'You can control your asthma.'Doctors, meanwhile, pointed out that asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and elderly. It is not just a public health problem for high-income countries; about 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries.
Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated, creating a substantial burden to individuals and families and possibly restricting individuals' activities for a lifetime. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions like indoor and outdoor allergens.
Dr Sunil Verma said "Factors like cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise and even certain medications can trigger asthma. He, however, added that proper management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy good quality of life.
People with persistent symptoms must take needed medication to control the underlying tenderness and prevent symptoms and exacerbations. Doctors said medication was not the only mode to control asthma. It is also important to avoid asthma-triggers, the stimuli that irritate and inflame the ailment.