World Asthma Day 2022

A chronic lung disease!

Asthma is a chronic lung disease which causes breathing difficulties and affects sufferers to varying degrees, asthma is caused by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, sometimes in reaction to allergens, exercise, stress or changes in temperature. Asthma is not usually curable but can be controlled to certain extents, depending on how it affects the sufferer. If asthma is controlled then sufferers can live relatively normal lives, although some triggers may have to be avoided. 

The aim of World Asthma Day is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers. 

The World Asthma Day 2022 is on May 3rd. World Asthma Day is supported by the organization GINA, the global initiative for Asthma which works with health care groups around the world to help raise awareness. GINA is an initiative taken by the US based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB). World Asthma Day is also supported by the World Asthma Foundation.

 World Asthma Day has been running for 10 years. The day usually has an annual theme. GINA has chosen 'Closing Gaps in Asthma Care' as the theme for the 2022 World Asthma Day. 

The first World Asthma Day, in 1998, was celebrated in more than 35 counties in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain. Participation has increased with each Works Asthma Day held since then, and the day has become one of the world's most important asthma awareness and education events. 

Medical treatments of asthma include using inhalers. However, there are a range of fruits and vegetables that can help in reducing asthma symptoms as well. In an interview, H P Bharathi, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institutes noted these: 

* Pomegranates - Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and Vitamin K and antioxidants, pomegranates helps in preventing or delaying cell damage. 

* Spinach - This superfood contains protein, iron, vitamins, minerals, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, fiber, phosphorus and vitamin E. It is important for skin, hair and bone health. It also helps in reducing asthma symptoms. 

* Orange - Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are a treasure trove of nutrients. It is also rich in Vitamin C and folate. 

* Avocado - Avocados are rich in healthy fats and fiber, magnesium, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate. They help in preventing respiratory disease. 

* Green Beans - They are loaded with vitamin A, C and K, and of folic acid calcium and fiber. They are important for maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing risk of fractures. Vitamin B present in green beans also help in reducing depression. 

* Ginger - Rich in antioxidants, if helps in preventing stress and damaging the body's DNA. It also help in fighting chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and disease of the lungs. It helps in promoting healthy aging. 

Yoga expert Akshar pointed out breathing exercises which can help in improving shortness of breath. 

* Kapal Bhathi - This breathing exercise leads to increased consciousness. Attentiveness and sensory perception are heightened by a steady practice of this exercise as well. It also helps in promoting weight loss and improving the metabolism of the body. 

* Bhramari Pranayam - If helps in relaxing the mind and revitalising the body. It also helps in increasing sensitivity to tastes and fragrances. It helps in relieving stress and anxiety and treating throat uneasiness. 

* Khand Pranayam - In this breathing technique, the breath is divided in both inhalation and exhalation. This helps in increasing lung's capacity to taken in Oxygen. It helps in building lung power, stamina. It also helps in fat loss, improving skin and increasing the overall lifespan.