What is the reason why is the severity of asthma on the increase?

The past decade has witnessed an exponential rise in serious asthma-related events. However, considering the fact that asthma is treatable, how can this be the case?

What is the reason why asthma rates are increasing?

The number of deaths due to asthma decreased significantly in the period between 1997 and 2007; therefore, the recent spikes over the past decade are a bit shocking. Experts have yet to come up with an exact reason for the rise, although a number of theories have been proposed.

The lack of basic health medical

Asthma UK has identified that inadequate asthma care is a major factor in the mortality rate. Around 60% of people suffering from asthma do not receive the essential medical treatment that is recommended by national guidelines. This should include an annual review with an asthma nurse or doctor as well as a written action plan to manage asthma-related symptoms and a review of the correct asthma inhaler techniques. In 2014, the NHS, along with the Department of Health, commissioned the National Review of Asthma Deaths, which found that two-thirds of deaths due to asthma could have been prevented by the right basic treatment. However, only one of 19 recommendations of this study has been implemented, which suggests that there is a lack of understanding of controlling asthma or poor inhaler techniques is not being adequately detected and corrected.

Air pollution exposure

With more vehicles driving around than we have ever had and an increasing number of people needing housing in our ever-growing cities, pollution from the air is likely to contribute to the rise in asthma attacks. Children who live within 75 meters of areas with high traffic congestion tend to be more likely to suffer from asthma or suffer from asthma attacks. Even with the increasing focus on energy efficiency and a growing amount of production globally and the increasing amount of vehicle usage is only causing our pollution levels to rise up.

Lifestyle aspects

Another aspect that can cause an increase in asthma incidence is an increase in our sedentary habits. Inactivity can cause a weaker lung which is further aggravated by a further reduction in activity levels because of Covid-19 lockdowns as well as the increase in working from home arrangements. In addition, the rising weight gain is likely to play into the increasing incidence of asthma-related issues since being overweight causes inflammation in the body. It is an established asthma risk aspect.

What can you do to protect yourself from asthma attacks?

As you can see, asthma poses extremely serious health risks; however, you can minimize these risks by identifying your triggers and understanding how to treat and prevent asthma efficiently.

Treatment options

• Inhalers for relief, like Ventolin Evohaler, offer immediate relief from wheezing, tightening of the chest, and breathlessness. They are the most effective way to prevent or treat an asthma attack at present. The prescription medicine includes Salbutamol, a rapid-acting bronchodilator that allows airways to open and allows breathing to be more comfortable. Anyone who is at risk of developing asthma-related symptoms should carry an inhaler that relieves asthma symptoms, particularly in the event of a previous history of asthma attacks or experiencing symptoms regularly.

• Inhalers for preventers have a small dose of corticosteroid that you take daily according to the prescription. This helps reduce inflammation and build up your defense against causes, ultimately reducing the symptoms.