Latest news with #WorldAsthmaDay
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Advocates call for action on dangerous issue with public school buses: 'Especially bad for kids'
Advocates call for action on dangerous issue with public school buses: 'Especially bad for kids' A clean energy advocacy group is calling attention to a powerful way to protect kids from childhood asthma — switching to electric school buses. To mark World Asthma Day, Clean Energy Generation — a grassroots campaign by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy — joined forces with the Alliance for Electric School Buses to rally public support for cleaner rides to school. The day of action was especially focused on spreading awareness and support for the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, which provides $5 billion to help schools replace diesel buses with electric ones. Advocates collected handwritten postcards and digital signatures from community members urging lawmakers to keep the EPA program alive. Local chapters of Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club, and the League of Women Voters helped spread the word, showing how powerful community advocacy can be when people work together. In a statement, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said its recent work "shows how, when many voices are singing from the same score, the chorus is harmonious and unmistakable." Electric buses are a powerful way to protect school children's health, reducing exposure to diesel exhaust, a known asthma trigger. Vehicle exhaust — especially that of massive school buses — releases a mix of toxic pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and ozone. These potent pollutants have been linked to cancers and chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and more. And that includes childhood asthma. "Diesel exhaust pollution is harmful for everyone, but is especially bad for kids as their lungs are developing," the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said in a statement. That's partly because children breathe faster than adults and inhale more air — and, therefore, pollutants — per body weight. Studies have shown that switching from diesel to electric school buses can reduce asthma attacks, respiratory illnesses, and school absences for children. A recent study found that smart global action on road pollution — including electric vehicle adoption and tightened pollution standards — could prevent 1.4 million new childhood asthma cases by 2040. While there have been recent strides toward lowering road pollution, there's still a long way to go. That's why the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said it plans to keep the pressure on lawmakers — and invites supporters to raise their voices to advocate for clean energy and healthier kids. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The sign of major condition that you might notice when exercising – and it can be fatal
HEALTH chiefs have issued an important alert over a common lung condition that's 'often misunderstood'. The condition, which affects your ability to breathe, usually starts in childhood but it can begin at any age. 2 Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in Ireland Credit: Getty Marking World Asthma Day this week, the 'This might mean difficulties breathing from time to time, or breathing problems most of the time.' The People with asthma are at risk of having a severe asthma attack. READ MORE ON HEALTH Ireland has one of the highest asthma rates in the world, affecting one in 10 people, according to the Asthma Society of Ireland. Some 450,000 people in Ireland have asthma but many remain unsure where to turn for guidance. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and experiencing a tight chest feeling. HSE ADVICE THE cause is more likely to be asthma if the symptoms: happen often and keep coming back are worse at night and early in the morning happen in response to an asthma trigger such as exercise or an allergy change with the seasons - for example, they are worse in the summer or winter See a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. We are still learning about the causes of asthma. But you may be at more risk of asthma if you: Most read in Health have a parent or sibling with asthma have other allergic conditions, such as eczema had a severe respiratory infection as a child are exposed to dust or certain chemicals at your work have overweight or are exposed to air pollution CEO of the Asthma Society, Eilis Ni Chaithnia, warned that asthma can be 'unpredictable' and 'frightening' at times. How to spot asthma in your child and signs of an asthma attack She said: 'For too long, there has been a misconception that asthma and physical activity don't mix. 'And if you've ever been left gasping for breath — or even hospitalised — from exercise, it's only natural to fear doing it again. 'But the evidence is clear: regular movement, done safely, strengthens your lungs, reduces inflammation, and can alleviate the mental toll of having a chronic disease.' The group have just launched a free service on their Adviceline connecting people with a Senior Physiotherapist. Olympian and asthma ambassador Derval O'Rourke, who has lived with asthma throughout her career, admitted she has second-guessed herself before training. She said: 'But I also know that staying active has helped me manage my asthma, not worsen it. 'This campaign is about empowering people — whether you're walking around the block or aiming for a marathon, the support is there.' Respiratory Consultant at Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College, Professor Patrick Mitchell said that asthma is 'one of the most common chronic conditions in Ireland, yet it's often misunderstood'. He explained: 'People with asthma should be able to participate fully in exercise — even competitive sport — with proper management. 'If symptoms appear during or after exercise, it may be a sign that the asthma is not well controlled, not that activity should be avoided. 'We know that regular activity, done safely, can actually reduce symptoms and improve lung function. "That's why the right education, support and treatment are so important.' For more information visit 2 Over 450,000 people in Ireland have asthma Credit: Getty
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC marks World Asthma Day with state-of-the-art treatment options
Tribune News Network Doha This World Asthma Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is shining the spotlight on innovative treatment options that are revolutionising asthma care for residents in Qatar. With advanced biologic therapies, smart inhalers, a health app, plus a comprehensive support plan that includes educational and self-management programs, HMC is transforming how asthma is managed for over 20,000 patients annually. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to narrow and swell, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Dr. Hisham Abdul Aleem Abdul Sattar, head of Pulmonology Department explains: 'Asthma can significantly impact a person's daily activities and quality of life if not properly managed, but thanks to cutting-edge technology and personalized care plans, what was once a condition that significantly limited patients' lives, can now be effectively controlled and managed.' HMC's patient-centred approach begins with comprehensive diagnostic assessments, utilizing advanced testing techniques to determine the precise type and severity of each patient's asthma. This targeted diagnosis enables the clinical team to develop individualized treatment plans. 'One size does not fit all when it comes to asthma management,' explains Dr. Abdul Sattar. 'For some patients, standard inhalers provide sufficient control, while others benefit from newer biologic therapies that target specific pathways in the immune system.' Beyond the medication, HMC emphasizes the critical role of patient education and self-management. The hospital offers programs that helps patients recognize their triggers, properly use their medications, and confidently take action during symptom flare-ups, transforming patients from passive recipients of care to active partners in managing their condition. This collaborative approach extends to HMC's use of innovative technology. The introduction of smart inhalers with sensors that track medication usage and mobile applications that monitor symptoms represents an advancement in continuous asthma management. Dr. Abdul Sattar adds, 'These technologies provide our clinical team with real-time insights into how patients are responding to treatment between appointments, allowing for more timely interventions when needed.' Accessing HMC's asthma services is straightforward. Patients may obtain referrals from primary care physicians to make their appointment at the specialized respiratory clinics. Emergency services are available 24/7 for those experiencing severe symptoms. Patients can also opt for telemedicine options for remote consultations with healthcare professionals. HMC's commitment to excellence in asthma care has earned international recognition, with its Allergy and Immunology Service receiving accreditation as an Urticaria Centre of Reference and Excellence by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN).
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Is asthma infectious? Doctor reveals 7 surprising facts about asthma you may not know
World Asthma Day 2025 was on May 6. World Asthma Day is observed annually on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness about asthma and highlight the need for continued research toward a cure. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The condition often worsens during the spring and summer months, making it particularly challenging for those affected to manage their symptoms during this time. Also read | Asthma Day 2025: 6 foods that can trigger asthma; doctor shares what to eat instead Asthma is a condition marked by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.(Shutterstock) However, with the right knowledge about the condition, it is possible to manage the symptoms and avoid the triggers. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr Sandeep Nair, principal director and HOD - chest and respiratory diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital shared 7 surprising facts about asthma. 1. Asthma is not just about breathlessness Continuous cough predominantly dry though occasionally accompanied with minimum expectoration could be a symptom of cough variant asthma which may go undiagnosed as patient do not complain about breathlessness. Not all undiagnosed cough is due to asthma but a possibility of cough variant asthma should be kept in mind after ruling out common causes of cough. 2. Asthma symptoms can develop in adulthood Though asthma symptoms appear in childhood but sometimes the symptoms appear in adulthood. Any adult can develop asthma but there are things that may lead people to develop asthma like allergies, smoking, obesity, stress or pollution. 3. Inhalers are a must treatment for asthma Inhalers remain the mainstay treatment for asthma. Some patients think that they are reserved for severe asthma or are habit forming and contains very heavy dose but truth is that it is the first line treatment for asthma and have minimum side effects as they act on the target (lungs) and are not absorbed in significant quantity in body to cause any harm. 4. Asthma is non-infectious Asthma is not an infectious disease and sitting next to asthmatics will not cause any symptoms in you. It may run in the family as it can be inherited but one does not pass to another person who comes in close contact. Also read | 8 common asthma triggers: Doctor shares tips to avoid them Asthma symptoms can be managed by avoiding triggers.(Twitter/SAallergy) 5. Asthma can disappear and recur Asthma symptoms may come and go intermittently. Just when you start thinking that you are cured of the disease, the symptoms may reappear. The asthma medication consists of rescue medicines which help in relieving your symptoms and controller which prevent from deterioration of the disease. 6. Asthma patients can continue physical exercise Asthma do not stop you for exercising or playing any sports or games including swimming. In fact, exercise help in fighting asthma and keep you fit and healthy. If patients continue taking medicines regularly, they can play any sport. 7. Asthma does not have a cure, but can be managed Though there is no cure for asthma, but it can be effectively managed through medication, avoiding triggers, and following a personalised action plan. One can live a healthy life just like any other individual and avoid exacerbation if they take their medication regularly. Also read | Managing seasonal allergies: Doctor shares the ultimate guide for asthma patients Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Asthma Day: Awareness campaign sheds light on disease
Trichy: To mark World Asthma Day , an awareness campaign was carried out in Trichy on Tuesday. The campaign covered various locations including the Cauvery bridge, the Anna Nagar overbridge, Court Road, Uzhavar Santhai, Trichy Railway Junction, Central bus stand, Anna Stadium, Khajamalai Road, and near SRM Hotel Health workers from Swasum, an asthma allergy clinic, and volunteers spread awareness among morning walkers and commuters using informative standees, distributing handbills, and promoting healthy breathing practices . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They focused on recognising asthma triggers , the importance of preventive care, and the role of vaccinations in managing respiratory health. "A special emphasis was placed on air pollution , correct usage of inhalers, emergency drug handling, and the long-term benefits of inhaler therapy for asthma control," said Dr Kamal from Swasum.
