As the world marks World Asthma Day on Tuesday May 7, 2024, medical experts have advised asthma patients to consider some tips for their safety.

The first Tuesday in May usually marks World Asthma Day and  this year’s theme is, ‘Asthma Education Empowers’. 

The annual event is usually organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), which normally emphasizes the importance of educating people on how to manage the disease and on when to seek medical assistance.

This was after the first celebrations for the WAD were held in 1998, and it has since become one of the most important events to raise awareness on asthma globally. 

According to the World Health Organization, asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening of the airways making it difficult to breathe.

Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath and tightness of the chest,which may range from mild to severe. 

In most cases, the disease is usually triggered by the cold weather, as it irritates the lining of the airways and causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

To manage asthma, patients are usually advised to limit outdoor activities during cold weather. This makes the patient remain warm.

A patient should keep his/her nose and mouth shielded when outdoors to avoid direct exposure of the harsh cold.

In addition, a patient is expected to have all prescriptions ready and inhalants re-filled, just in case of an asthmatic attack. 

A patient can also consult with a pulmonologist ahead of the cold season to discuss treatment options during the cold months.