Worldwide, approximately 339 million people suffer from asthma, with an estimated 262 million people affected in 2019, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and caused 455,000 deaths. Asthma is a long-term condition affecting children and adults. The air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the small airways. This causes asthma symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
To highlight the wide reach of this condition, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative body marks World Asthma Day today (May 2) to raise awareness of asthma worldwide. This year’s event is being held under the theme ‘Asthma Care for All.’ According to GINA, this year’s subject matter aims to promote the development and implementation of effective asthma management programmes in all resource countries.
In Qatar, Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) published a study on the growing prevalence of paediatric asthma cases, including data on the rising rates of allergic rhinitis and eczema. The study collected data from more than 6,500 participants across Qatar, including nearly 2,650 children, split into groups aged 6-7 years and 13-14 years, and 3,831 parents or guardians.
The study was funded by HMC and led by the Chair of Medical Education and Division Chief of Pulmonology at Sidra Medicine, Professor Ibrahim Janahi. It reported prevalence rate differences over a decade (2005-2017) and showed a noticeable increase in diagnosed asthma (34.6 percent vs 19.8 percent).
It showed that asthma rates in school children were higher in Qatar. Prof Janahi said while the new data is noteworthy, there is no cause for alarm, only vigilance. The findings of the Qatar-based study are consistent with the increase in prevalence rates reported in other parts of the world.
“Healthcare providers, parents, the wider community including the public and private sector, can all play a role in ensuring children, as well as adults with asthma, have the right support systems and resources in place,” he said.
Through the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar runs an Asthma-friendly Schools Program which helps children take advantage of the school’s medical facilities.
The programme’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for children with asthma. Aimed at 6–12-year-olds who suffer from the disease, it supports the development of their coping skills and helps improve their lives.
