Respiratory Therapists Can Help Others “Control Your Asthma”
April 29, 2008
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As well we know, asthma is a worldwide problem. That’s why for 10 years the Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA) has sponsored World Asthma Day.
World Asthma Day 2008 is May 6 and the collaboration of consumer organizations, provider organizations, government entities, coalitions, local clubs, and individuals will all be focused on the theme of “You Can Control Your Asthma.”
Here are some worldwide statistics compiled by GINA:
- 300 million people worldwide now have asthma.
- Asthma is severely under-diagnosed in many areas of the world—the Middle East, Baltic States, Southern Africa.
- Treatment is impeded by widespread misconceptions in other parts of the world like Central Asia, Russia, and Pakistan.
- Asthma is increasing especially in areas that adopt Western lifestyles and become urbanized.
- In Egypt, up to one in four children with asthma is unable to attend school regularly because of poor asthma control.
- Declining asthma mortality rates over the last 10 years have been attributed to the increased use of inhaled glucocorticosteriod therapy in areas including Scandinavia, the UK, Western Europe and Argentina.
- It is estimated that there may be an additional 100 million persons with asthma by 2025.
At the AARC, we know that respiratory therapists have the knowledge, tools, and desire to help control asthma for all of their patients. The AARC helps with materials, but it’s the initiative of our members, working in their communities, that helps raise awareness and promote good health for asthma patients everywhere.
Whether you are planning an event for World Asthma Day on May 6 or whether you hold events and activities at other times of the year, we want to hear from you and give you a salute. Tell us what you do in your community to promote awareness of asthma and help patients gain control of their asthma. We’ll publish some of your ideas in upcoming days and all learn from each other on ways to reach out for asthma awareness.