American Thoracic Society Emphasizes Asthma Awareness
Asthma remains a pervasive health concern, affecting more than 260 million individuals worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases.1 On World Asthma Day 2024, influential advocacy groups convened to underscore the critical role of education in saving lives affected by asthma globally.
Joined by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), alongside the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), these organizations collectively stress the urgency of raising asthma awareness and ensuring equitable access to resources, particularly in under-served communities.
"FIRS urges healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of asthma's preventable burden on health and the evidence-based strategies for effective management. This knowledge equips them to provide accurate information and optimal care for their patients," stated the ATS in a press release.
Despite advances in healthcare, asthma continues to claim approximately 450,000 lives annually, with many of these deaths deemed preventable. This underscores the pressing need for enhanced educational efforts.
The ATS identifies four key areas crucial for refining asthma education worldwide: accurate diagnosis, appropriate use of anti-inflammatory inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), prudent use of short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhalers, and improved identification of patients requiring specialized assessment and management.1
In tandem with these efforts, GINA, representing healthcare experts, has issued recommendations focused on four primary aspects of asthma management in primary care: diagnosis, long-term treatment, control assessment, and management of severe asthma.
Diagnosis remains a challenge, with both over- and under-diagnosis prevalent due to the lack of objective lung function testing. This deficiency underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation to distinguish asthma from other respiratory conditions, particularly in children and older adults.
Long-term treatment primarily revolves around ICS therapy, although GINA underscores the importance of personalized care tailored to individual needs. Regular review and adjustment of treatment regimens are emphasized to optimize outcomes and minimize exacerbations.
Furthermore, GINA outlines strategies for identifying and managing severe asthma cases, highlighting the importance of specialist intervention when necessary.
Assessment of asthma control encompasses monitoring symptoms and risk factors to prevent adverse outcomes. GINA emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, urging patients and clinicians alike not to underestimate the importance of regular follow-up and symptom monitoring.
Each May, these advocacy groups, in collaboration with organizations like the CDC, observe Asthma Awareness Month, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals living with asthma. By promoting education and awareness, they strive to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for all affected by this common respiratory condition.
For more Click the links below
Biologic Therapies Enhance Clinical Outcomes in Severe Asthma: Study Findings
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