Asthma affects an estimated 35 million people, making it one of the most pressing public health concerns in India

Mira Road: May 6, is commemorated as World Asthma Day. The day, commemorated annually on the first Tuesday of May, is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This year’s theme, “Asthma Education Empowers”, highlights the crucial role of awareness and timely intervention in reducing the burden of this chronic respiratory illness.

In India, asthma affects an estimated 35 million people, making it one of the most pressing public health concerns. Despite being a manageable and often preventable condition, myths and misinformation persist, delaying diagnosis and treatment, especially among children.

“Untreated asthma can severely impact a child’s quality of life,” said Dr. Sanjukta Dey, consultant paediatrician and clinical director at Peerless Hospital.

“It often leads to frequent illness, chest congestion, and chronic fatigue. These children miss school, sports, and other developmental activities. Simple exertions like exercise become exhausting.”

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, persistent coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness. According to the WHO, over 300 million people globally suffer from asthma—a figure expected to rise with growing urbanization and environmental degradation.

Experts emphasize that asthma symptoms often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed, particularly in children. Dr Sandeep Nayar, principal director and HOD, chest and respiratory diseases, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, noted.

“Many parents only consider asthma serious when breathlessness occurs. But in reality, a persistent dry cough can also be a key indicator. Ignoring such signs can cause the condition to silently worsen.”

He added that a condition known as Cough Variant Asthma often presents solely with chronic coughing. “If someone has been coughing for an extended period without a clear diagnosis, they should undergo a pulmonary function test. This simple test can confirm the presence of asthma.”

Adding to the complexities are widespread myths about treatment. Dr. Sanggita Checker, Consultant Pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “Many people believe inhalers are addictive or dangerous. Some think they are only for severe cases or can hinder a child’s growth. These are all unfounded myths that deter people from timely and proper treatment.”

She stressed the need for early diagnosis, increased public education, and better access to affordable medicines. “In urban India, environmental factors like air pollution, dust, and changing seasons aggravate asthma symptoms. A nationwide, coordinated public health response is crucial.”

Some children outgrow asthma temporarily, but it can return later in life. Dr. Prashant Saxena, Senior Director and HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, explained, “As children grow, their immune systems mature and airways expand, sometimes causing symptoms to disappear. But the sensitivity remains, and asthma can reappear due to triggers like pollution or respiratory infections.”

GINA’s campaign this year — “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL” —calls for global policy changes to ensure equitable access to essential asthma medications. First aid training and community-level awareness are also being encouraged to better respond during sudden asthma attacks, which can become life-threatening if not managed promptly.

As asthma cases rise in India, World Asthma Day 2025 serves as a reminder that education, awareness, and accessible healthcare are the strongest tools in combating this chronic yet controllable disease.