By Achin GuptaThis year’s theme for World Asthma Awareness Month, “Asthma Education Empowers”, holds significant relevance given India’s current respiratory health challenges.
With an escalating burden of diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), worsened by factors such as air pollution, tobacco usage, and changing lifestyles, the need for comprehensive asthma management has never been more urgent.
Against the backdrop of India’s evolving disease burden and the prevailing perception of asthma, Asthma Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative need to prioritize and amplify asthma care initiatives.
Inhaled corticosteroids, which is the cornerstone of asthma management are used, daily, in less than 9% of diagnosed patients.
Addressing these complex issues requires collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders to drive meaningful change and improve asthma management outcomes nationwide.
By Achin Gupta
This year’s theme for World Asthma Awareness Month, “Asthma Education Empowers”, holds significant relevance given India’s current respiratory health challenges. With an escalating burden of diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), worsened by factors such as air pollution, tobacco usage, and changing lifestyles, the need for comprehensive asthma management has never been more urgent.
This year’s theme emphasises the vital role of education in empowering action among people. It underscores the importance of giving people the knowledge and skills to manage asthma, with improved access to resources and support programs to help them make smart health choices. This encompasses the patient’s entire journey from being able to recognize the warning signs, getting help from doctors when necessary, and most importantly, educating patients about inhalers and correct ways of usage. Against the backdrop of India’s evolving disease burden and the prevailing perception of asthma, Asthma Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative need to prioritize and amplify asthma care initiatives.
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India’s Asthma Story
The burden of asthma is staggering in India, affecting approximately 34.3 million people. Globally, India ranks highest in terms of prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with mortality rates three times higher than the global average.
However, despite the severity of the issue, stigma surrounding asthma persists, hindering treatment adherence and leading to alarming rates of undiagnosed cases. Shockingly, up to 82% of current wheezers and 70% of those with severe asthma remain undiagnosed in India, as per a study from the Global Asthma Network (GAN). Inhaled corticosteroids, which is the cornerstone of asthma management are used, daily, in less than 9% of diagnosed patients. These challenges are compounded by factors including – limited access to healthcare, incorrect medication intake techniques, and non-adherence to treatment, further accentuating the urgent need for a fundamental shift in how we approach asthma care in India.
Addressing these complex issues requires collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders to drive meaningful change and improve asthma management outcomes nationwide.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem to Address India’s Asthma Burden
As India confronts its respiratory health crisis, engaging multiple stakeholders emerges as a pivotal strategy for bringing about sustainable change. To drive this shift in perception, coordinated efforts must be driven at both an individual and institutional scale.
By uniting diverse stakeholders, from government bodies, healthcare professionals, to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia, industry partners, and communities – we can pool together collective expertise and resources to drive impactful changes in the management, treatment, and public awareness of asthma.
Here, awareness campaigns play a crucial role in dispelling prevalent myths among the public and directing patients to reliable sources of information. By integrating these efforts with an ecosystem that improves access to screening avenues, counselling, treatment adherence, and device training, we can establish a comprehensive support network for patients while also providing some relief to their families. These cohesive efforts ultimately aid in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Moving forward, it is imperative for us to unite in a shared commitment to improve environmental factors like air pollution, promote respiratory wellness, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals affected by asthma. By fostering collaboration and innovation among multiple stakeholders, we can pave the way for a healthier future for all. Together, let us work towards transforming awareness into action and building a supportive ecosystem that empowers individuals to effectively manage their asthma and improve their overall quality of life.
Disclaimer:
This information is only for general awareness and is not to promote, use, or endorse any product or encourage use of medicines in any way nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor for diagnosis or treatment/ cure of any medical condition. The views expressed are independent opinions based on studies from authentic sources. Your discretion may be exercised before using the information for consulting doctor. Please consult your doctor/ Registered Medical Practitioner before starting any treatment/medicine/ inhaler. This is being used only as a reference to create awareness and is NOT intended towards advertisement.
(The author is CEO – One India Business at Cipla Ltd. Views expressed are the author’s own and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com)
