Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease, especially among children. Although asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases, according to WHO estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and 255 000 people died of asthma in 2005. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in developing countries. Available evidence suggests that about 8% of the population in the Eastern Mediterranean Region suffer from asthma.
The prevalence of asthma is on the increase. WHO has projected asthma deaths for 2015 and 2030 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region as 20 000 and 27 000, respectively. We also know that asthma is mostly under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in children.
Although asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. Smoke (tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning or kerosene stoves and fireplace), aerosol sprays, strong odours (perfumes, cologne, gasoline fumes) and dust and air pollution can trigger asthma attacks by irritating sensitive airways.
Information resources
Recent publications
GINA(Global Initiative of Asthma) guidelines
Publications of GARD (the Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases)
Prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases in low- and middle-income African countries
Prevention of allergy and allergic asthma
HQ Publications: Chronic respiratory diseases
Policy documents
WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases
Implementation of WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases
Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: report of the Secretary-General
A prioritized research agenda for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, 1 January 2011
Package of essential noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care in low-resource settings, 3 August 2010
Links
GARD(Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases)
GINA(Global Initiative of Asthma)
World Asthma Day, 1 May