World Asthma Day is an annual event observed on the first Tuesday in May. It was initially organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and has since become a yearly observance.

This holiday aims to raise public awareness about asthma, its symptoms, and the available treatments. Each year, a different theme is released to highlight a key aspect of the holiday.

For example, the theme for 2021 was “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions,” and for 2022, it was “Closing Gaps in Asthma Care.”

The History of World Asthma Day

World Asthma Day was first observed in 1998, organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), which was established in 1993 as a medical guidelines organization for asthma. The inaugural celebration saw participation from over 30 countries with activities in Barcelona, Spain.

Some Important Facts About Asthma

Below are some facts about asthma that we believe our readers might find informative. After extensive research, we have compiled the following bullet points, which we hope will be educational and engaging.

• Asthma is a disease that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways.
• Symptoms of this disease include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness or pain.
• Asthma can be a life-threatening condition and may lead to death.
• It is also one of the most common and costly diseases to treat in the United States.
• Approximately 25 million people in the United States have asthma, which is 1 in 13 individuals.
• It is estimated that over 5 million children under the age of 18 have asthma in the U.S.
• Adults are five times more likely to die from asthma than children.
• Asthma results in approximately $3 billion in losses due to missed school or work days and $50 billion in medical costs.
• The disease also accounts for $29 billion in asthma-related mortality.

Observing World Asthma Day

Each year, GINA organizes events for this holiday, and those plans can be accessed online or through social media platforms. People can take this opportunity to learn more about asthma or show support for those living with the condition.

Individuals with asthma can use this day to collaborate with their doctors to find more effective treatments. Additionally, people can spread awareness about the holiday using the hashtag #WorldAsthmaDay.