Cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses arise in damp and wet weather, such as the rainy season, and a majority of people also struggle with asthma flare-ups. Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung illness that affects the airways, which are the tubes though which air moves into and out of your lungs.&nbsp;

Asthma&nbsp;causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in patients which results in coughing, wheezing&nbsp;and chest discomfort. When these symptoms worsen, it is referred to as an asthma attack or a flare-up.&nbsp;

Experts have noted that asthma frequently begins in childhood, usually before the age of five. It is the most common chronic condition of childhood, affecting millions of children globally. It has the potential to cause youngsters to miss school and even end up in the hospital frequently if not properly managed. However, there are several medicines that can assist asthmatics.&nbsp;

WION spoke to experts to get an insight regarding how to take care of children with asthma and allergies during rainfall. Dr Gajanan B Mankikar, Senior Pediatric Consultant, at Mankikar Hospital in Pune, said, "As the monsoon season approaches, it's important for parents to be aware of the challenges it can pose for a child’s respiratory system. Due to their developing immune system, children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of increased humidity, allergens, respiratory infections, and air pollution during this time of year."&nbsp;

"These factors can significantly impact their lungs, worsening pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or increasing their susceptibility to developing such conditions," Dr Mankikar added.&nbsp;

<h2>What causes asthma in children?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Several experts have said that causes of childhood asthma aren't fully understood. More than one factors could be involved in it, such as the tendency to develop allergies that run in the family, parents with asthma, and some types of airway infections at a very young age. exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke or other air pollution.&nbsp;

Dr Manish Mannan, HOD Pediatrics &amp; Neonatology, Paras Health, said: During heavy and unforeseen rainfall, the humidity in the environment increases leading to the growth of moulds and airway irritants causing respiratory problems."&nbsp;

<h2>How to take care of children during heavy rains?&nbsp;</h2>

Dr Mannan said, "It is important to manage asthma and allergies in children during heavy rainfall by keeping the environment clean and keeping the medications for emergency prepared in advance. Parents must pay attention to the health of children and take proactive measures to ensure their overall well-being."&nbsp;

"Children should prefer to take the prescribed medicines for asthma and allergies prescribed by their paediatrician timely. In case of any symptoms, one must immediately consult the doctor," he added.&nbsp;

What to do:&nbsp; 
-Regular exercise and take a healthy diet.&nbsp; 
-Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the growth of moulds.&nbsp; 
-Regular dusting and cleaning can also reduce indoor allergens.&nbsp;

Dr Mankikar also said that "to manage monsoon asthma, prioritise an asthma-friendly indoor environment practice good hygiene, monitor indoor air quality, follow an asthma action plan, promote safe physical activity, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and ensure annual flu vaccinations are up to date."&nbsp;

Dr Mankikar concluded that by incorporating these preventive measures and following the prescribed inhalation therapy, parents can effectively navigate monsoon asthma triggers and empower their children to embrace the season with confidence and resilience.&nbsp;

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Cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses arise in damp and wet weather, such as the rainy season, and a majority of people also struggle with asthma flare-ups. Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung illness that affects the airways, which are the tubes though which air moves into and out of your lungs.

Cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses arise in damp and wet weather, such as the rainy season, and a majority of people also struggle with asthma flare-ups. Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung illness that affects the airways, which are the tubes though which air moves into and out of your lungs. Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in patients which results in coughing, wheezing and chest discomfort. When these symptoms worsen, it is referred to as an asthma attack or a flare-up. Experts have noted that asthma frequently begins in childhood, usually before the age of five. It is the most common chronic condition of childhood, affecting millions of children globally. It has the potential to cause youngsters to miss school and even end up in the hospital frequently if not properly managed. However, there are several medicines that can assist asthmatics. WION spoke to experts to get an insight regarding how to take care of children with asthma and allergies during rainfall. Dr Gajanan B Mankikar, Senior Pediatric Consultant, at Mankikar Hospital in Pune, said, "As the monsoon season approaches, it's important for parents to be aware of the challenges it can pose for a child’s respiratory system. Due to their developing immune system, children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of increased humidity, allergens, respiratory infections, and air pollution during this time of year." "These factors can significantly impact their lungs, worsening pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or increasing their susceptibility to developing such conditions," Dr Mankikar added. What causes asthma in children? Several experts have said that causes of childhood asthma aren't fully understood. More than one factors could be involved in it, such as the tendency to develop allergies that run in the family, parents with asthma, and some types of airway infections at a very young age. exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke or other air pollution. Dr Manish Mannan, HOD Pediatrics & Neonatology, Paras Health, said: During heavy and unforeseen rainfall, the humidity in the environment increases leading to the growth of moulds and airway irritants causing respiratory problems." How to take care of children during heavy rains? Dr Mannan said, "It is important to manage asthma and allergies in children during heavy rainfall by keeping the environment clean and keeping the medications for emergency prepared in advance. Parents must pay attention to the health of children and take proactive measures to ensure their overall well-being." "Children should prefer to take the prescribed medicines for asthma and allergies prescribed by their paediatrician timely. In case of any symptoms, one must immediately consult the doctor," he added. What to do: -Regular exercise and take a healthy diet. -Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the growth of moulds. -Regular dusting and cleaning can also reduce indoor allergens. Dr Mankikar also said that "to manage monsoon asthma, prioritise an asthma-friendly indoor environment practice good hygiene, monitor indoor air quality, follow an asthma action plan, promote safe physical activity, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and ensure annual flu vaccinations are up to date." Dr Mankikar concluded that by incorporating these preventive measures and following the prescribed inhalation therapy, parents can effectively navigate monsoon asthma triggers and empower their children to embrace the season with confidence and resilience. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How to take care of children with asthma and allergies during rainfall - Exclusive

World Asthma Day 2023: World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May and is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). GINA is an organisation established in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993. The day was first held on May 3, 1998. Every year the day is held with a theme that focuses on an issue related to asthma.

In 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak, the day was held with a theme of ‘Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions’. Similarly, last year, the day was held with the theme of ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’ with a focus on gaps between an asthma patient and the care that he/she should be given.

For 2023, the theme of the day is also focused on care, ‘Asthma care for All’.&nbsp;

<h2>Asthma and asthma attack</h2>

WHO defines asthma as a major non-communicable disease (NCD) that can affect both children and adults and is the most common chronic disease among children. It is also called bronchial asthma as it affects the lungs. It is called chronic or ongoing as it doesn’t go away and needs prolonged medical treatment.&nbsp;

It currently affects more than 25 million people in the US currently and out of this total, includes more than 5 million children.&nbsp;

Asthma attack: When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed which lets air move easily and quietly. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways constrict or tighten, making the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways, making it for the person difficult to breathe.&nbsp;

<h2>Who can get asthma?</h2>

Any person at any age can develop asthma. People that have allergies or people who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma. This also includes passive smoking which is exposure to someone else who is smoking. One can also develop asthma through third-hand smoking which is exposing one to clothing or surfaces in places where someone has smoked.&nbsp;

<h2>Causes and common triggers of asthma</h2>

There are certain factors that doctors believe can possess higher risk:

1. Environment: People who are exposed to a bad environment that contains allergens, toxins, and fumes are more prone to asthma.&nbsp;

2. Genetics: If your family has a history of asthma or allergic diseases, you have a higher risk of developing the disease.&nbsp;

3. Allergies: Having allergies can raise your risk of developing asthma.&nbsp;

4. Respiratory infections: Certain respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RCV) can damage young children’s developing lungs.&nbsp;

Common triggers:

Air Pollution

Dust mites

Pests&nbsp;

Pets’ dried skin flakes

Tobacco smoke

<h2>Some early signs and symptoms of asthma</h2>

People with asthma usually have obvious symptoms. These signs and symptoms resemble many respiratory infections:

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Chest tightness, pain or pressure.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Coughing (especially at night).

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Shortness of breath.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Wheezing

<h2>Diagnosis and treatment of asthma&nbsp;</h2>

Asthma can be life-threatening if one doesn’t go through the treatment and medical management properly. The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms. Asthma control means you:

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Can do the things you want to do at work and home.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Have no (or minimal) asthma symptoms.

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rarely need to use your reliever medicine (rescue inhaler).

•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Sleep without asthma interrupting your rest.

 
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World Asthma Day 2023: World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May and is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). GINA is an organisation established in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993.

World Asthma Day 2023: World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May and is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). GINA is an organisation established in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993. The day was first held on May 3, 1998. Every year the day is held with a theme that focuses on an issue related to asthma. In 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak, the day was held with a theme of ‘Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions’. Similarly, last year, the day was held with the theme of ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’ with a focus on gaps between an asthma patient and the care that he/she should be given. For 2023, the theme of the day is also focused on care, ‘Asthma care for All’. Asthma and asthma attack WHO defines asthma as a major non-communicable disease (NCD) that can affect both children and adults and is the most common chronic disease among children. It is also called bronchial asthma as it affects the lungs. It is called chronic or ongoing as it doesn’t go away and needs prolonged medical treatment. It currently affects more than 25 million people in the US currently and out of this total, includes more than 5 million children. Asthma attack: When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed which lets air move easily and quietly. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways constrict or tighten, making the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways, making it for the person difficult to breathe. Who can get asthma? Any person at any age can develop asthma. People that have allergies or people who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma. This also includes passive smoking which is exposure to someone else who is smoking. One can also develop asthma through third-hand smoking which is exposing one to clothing or surfaces in places where someone has smoked. Causes and common triggers of asthma There are certain factors that doctors believe can possess higher risk: 1. Environment: People who are exposed to a bad environment that contains allergens, toxins, and fumes are more prone to asthma. 2. Genetics: If your family has a history of asthma or allergic diseases, you have a higher risk of developing the disease. 3. Allergies: Having allergies can raise your risk of developing asthma. 4. Respiratory infections: Certain respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RCV) can damage young children’s developing lungs. Common triggers: Air Pollution Dust mites Pests Pets’ dried skin flakes Tobacco smoke Some early signs and symptoms of asthma People with asthma usually have obvious symptoms. These signs and symptoms resemble many respiratory infections: • Chest tightness, pain or pressure. • Coughing (especially at night). • Shortness of breath. • Wheezing Diagnosis and treatment of asthma Asthma can be life-threatening if one doesn’t go through the treatment and medical management properly. The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms. Asthma control means you: • Can do the things you want to do at work and home. • Have no (or minimal) asthma symptoms. • Rarely need to use your reliever medicine (rescue inhaler). • Sleep without asthma interrupting your rest. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Asthma Day 2023: Early signs, common triggers, diagnosis and treatment

May 3 is marked as World Asthma Day (WAD) to raise awareness about the disease and how individuals suffering can best prepare themselves as the condition cannot be cured.

Asthma is often under-treated mainly in low-and middle-income countries.&nbsp;

As per a World Health Organization (WHO) report, it is estimated that Asthma affected nearly 262 million people and caused 416,000 deaths in 2019.&nbsp;

Let’s now understand what is asthma, its causes, the theme for this year's Asthma Day, the condition's impact on daily life and different strategies for its prevention.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-more-likely-to-have-asthma-attacks-deaths-than-men-report-474429">Women more likely to have asthma attacks, deaths than men: Report&nbsp;</a>

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects all age groups. It’s basically caused due to inflammation and tightening around the tiny airways and the air channels in the lungs.

Its symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and even chest tightness. However, these sensations come and go, but are usually problematic at night or when one is exercising. &nbsp;

As per WHO, Asthma symptoms can get worse by “triggers.”

The possible triggers can be dust, smoke, strong fumes, change in weather, animal furs and even grass.

The theme for 2022:

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) a WHO-linked organisation founded in the year 1993, organises World Asthma Day. GINA’s theme for this year is “Closing Gaps in Asthma Care."

As per GINA, there are several gaps in between asthma care, and it needs to be addressed in order to reduce avoidable suffering and the costs of treating uncontrolled asthma.

Watch |&nbsp;Study: Asthma Patients less likely to die of COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-asthma-patients-less-likely-to-die-of-covid-19-your-story-333572/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Causes of Asthma:

There are several distinct factors that lead to increased chances of having asthma, but it’s difficult to just point out one direct reason.

The first cause can be genetics. It's prevalent in individuals whose family members have asthma.&nbsp;

People with other allergy disorders, such as eczema and rhinitis are likely to develop asthma (hay fever).

One of the most common causes is linked to urbanisation and even lifestyle factors contribute to this.

Environmental allergens and pollutants, such as indoor and outdoor pollution, home dust mites, chemical fumes at professional places, or even dust raise the risk of asthma.&nbsp;

Weight causes so many problems for people. Overweight or obese people are most likely to develop asthma.

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Impacts of Asthma on daily lives:

Sleep disturbance, fatigue during the day and poor concentration are all symptoms of people who are under-treated for Asthma.&nbsp;

Asthmatics miss their schools, and work which later might cause financial hardship for the family and the community.&nbsp;

Asthmatic patients may even require emergency medical attention and even hospital admission for treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/out-of-breath-population-boom-and-its-impact-on-air-pollution-452400">Out of breath: Population boom and its impact on air pollution</a>

The WHO is currently working and expanding diagnosis and treatment for Asthma.

As per WHO reports, tobacco smoke reduction is crucial for both primary asthma prevention and even in disease management. &nbsp;The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as well as WHO initiatives like MPOWER and MTobacco Cessation, are facilitating development in this field.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

May 3 is marked as World Asthma Day (WAD) to raise awareness about the disease and how individuals suffering can best prepare themselves as the condition cannot be cured.

May 3 is marked as World Asthma Day (WAD) to raise awareness about the disease and how individuals suffering can best prepare themselves as the condition cannot be cured. Asthma is often under-treated mainly in low-and middle-income countries. As per a World Health Organization (WHO) report, it is estimated that Asthma affected nearly 262 million people and caused 416,000 deaths in 2019. Let’s now understand what is asthma, its causes, the theme for this year's Asthma Day, the condition's impact on daily life and different strategies for its prevention. Also read | Women more likely to have asthma attacks, deaths than men: Report What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects all age groups. It’s basically caused due to inflammation and tightening around the tiny airways and the air channels in the lungs. Its symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and even chest tightness. However, these sensations come and go, but are usually problematic at night or when one is exercising. As per WHO, Asthma symptoms can get worse by “triggers.” The possible triggers can be dust, smoke, strong fumes, change in weather, animal furs and even grass. The theme for 2022: The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) a WHO-linked organisation founded in the year 1993, organises World Asthma Day. GINA’s theme for this year is “Closing Gaps in Asthma Care." As per GINA, there are several gaps in between asthma care, and it needs to be addressed in order to reduce avoidable suffering and the costs of treating uncontrolled asthma. Watch | Study: Asthma Patients less likely to die of COVID-19 Causes of Asthma: There are several distinct factors that lead to increased chances of having asthma, but it’s difficult to just point out one direct reason. The first cause can be genetics. It's prevalent in individuals whose family members have asthma. People with other allergy disorders, such as eczema and rhinitis are likely to develop asthma (hay fever). One of the most common causes is linked to urbanisation and even lifestyle factors contribute to this. Environmental allergens and pollutants, such as indoor and outdoor pollution, home dust mites, chemical fumes at professional places, or even dust raise the risk of asthma. Weight causes so many problems for people. Overweight or obese people are most likely to develop asthma. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Impacts of Asthma on daily lives: Sleep disturbance, fatigue during the day and poor concentration are all symptoms of people who are under-treated for Asthma. Asthmatics miss their schools, and work which later might cause financial hardship for the family and the community. Asthmatic patients may even require emergency medical attention and even hospital admission for treatment. Also read | Out of breath: Population boom and its impact on air pollution The WHO is currently working and expanding diagnosis and treatment for Asthma. As per WHO reports, tobacco smoke reduction is crucial for both primary asthma prevention and even in disease management. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as well as WHO initiatives like MPOWER and MTobacco Cessation, are facilitating development in this field.

On World Asthma Day 2022, know the causes and impact of the condition

Traffic-related air pollution is driving nearly 2 million new cases of paediatric asthma every year, according to a new study.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes inflammation in the lungs' airways.

Ground concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, which is a pollutant from tailpipe vehicle emissions, power plants, and industrial sites, were studied by researchers from George Washington University.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-undergoing-surgery-are-32-more-likely-to-die-if-a-man-performs-the-procedure-study-442591" hreflang="en">Women undergoing surgery are 32% more likely to die if a man performs the procedure: Study</a>

In more than 13,000 cities, they tracked new cases of asthma in children from 2000 to 2019.

"Our study found that nitrogen dioxide puts children at risk of developing asthma and the problem is especially acute in urban areas," said Susan Anenberg, a co-lead author of the article and a professor of environmental and occupational health at the varsity.

"The findings suggest that clean air must be a critical part of strategies aimed at keeping children healthy," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-long-covid-19-is-solved-this-scientist-believes-so-442748" hreflang="en">'Mystery of long COVID-19 is solved! This scientist believes so</a>

Approximately two-thirds of the estimated 1.85 million new paediatric asthma cases worldwide in 2019 were attributed to NO2.&nbsp;

This study appeared in the journal Lancet Planetary Health.

Even as air quality has improved in Europe and the US, air pollution, particularly NO2 pollution, has increased in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa face a large burden of childhood asthma cases caused by NO2 pollution.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Air Pollution &amp; Mental Health

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-pollution-mental-health-381527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

1.8 million excess deaths in 2019 alone can be traced to urban air pollution, according to a second study from the varsity published in the same journal.

The team of researchers found that 86 per cent of adults and children living in cities around the globe are exposed to fine particulate matter levels that exceed the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation.

"Reducing fossil fuel-powered transportation can help children and adults breathe easier and may pay big health dividends, such as fewer cases of pediatric asthma and excess deaths," Anenberg said. "At the same time, it would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a healthier climate."

(With inputs from agencies)

Traffic-related air pollution is driving nearly 2 million new cases of paediatric asthma every year, according to a new study. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes inflammation in the lungs' airways.

Traffic-related air pollution is driving nearly 2 million new cases of paediatric asthma every year, according to a new study. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes inflammation in the lungs' airways. Ground concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, which is a pollutant from tailpipe vehicle emissions, power plants, and industrial sites, were studied by researchers from George Washington University. Also read | Women undergoing surgery are 32% more likely to die if a man performs the procedure: Study In more than 13,000 cities, they tracked new cases of asthma in children from 2000 to 2019. "Our study found that nitrogen dioxide puts children at risk of developing asthma and the problem is especially acute in urban areas," said Susan Anenberg, a co-lead author of the article and a professor of environmental and occupational health at the varsity. "The findings suggest that clean air must be a critical part of strategies aimed at keeping children healthy," she added. Also read | 'Mystery of long COVID-19 is solved! This scientist believes so Approximately two-thirds of the estimated 1.85 million new paediatric asthma cases worldwide in 2019 were attributed to NO2. This study appeared in the journal Lancet Planetary Health. Even as air quality has improved in Europe and the US, air pollution, particularly NO2 pollution, has increased in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa face a large burden of childhood asthma cases caused by NO2 pollution. Watch | Gravitas: Air Pollution & Mental Health 1.8 million excess deaths in 2019 alone can be traced to urban air pollution, according to a second study from the varsity published in the same journal. The team of researchers found that 86 per cent of adults and children living in cities around the globe are exposed to fine particulate matter levels that exceed the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation. "Reducing fossil fuel-powered transportation can help children and adults breathe easier and may pay big health dividends, such as fewer cases of pediatric asthma and excess deaths," Anenberg said. "At the same time, it would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a healthier climate." (With inputs from agencies)

Every year, traffic-related pollution causes respiratory problems in 2 million kids worldwide: Lancet