World Asthma Day will take place next Tuesday, 5 May. This chronic respiratory disease is characterised by attacks during which the lining of the bronchi swells, causing the bronchi to become narrower, and reducing the volume of air inhaled and exhaled. Asthma usually has an allergic component, i.e. its progression is influenced by exposure to inhaled allergens, such as pollens, moulds, house dust mites, pollution, etc.
The World Health Organization predicts that one in two people will have an allergy by 2050, compared with 20% at present
In some patients, attacks can be triggered by specific factors. Thus exercise-induced asthma usually occurs 5-15 minutes after stopping physical exercise. These attacks may also be triggered by simply taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).A poor knowledge of asthma, and the still too many preconceived ideas are a serious impediment to the proper management of this disease, which affected 235 million people worldwide in 2013[1]. While common in children, asthma remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Organised this year around the theme of “Asthma: let’s get rid of received ideas!” this day is therefore an opportunity to raise awareness among the general public, and highlight research achievements in the area.
Researchers at Inserm are involved in fighting this disease all year long. For your interviews and reporting requirements, see the “Asthma and Allergies press-kit” available as a download opposite, which lists the contact details of specialists on this theme, together with the latest news from Inserm on the subject (available only in french)
[1] Source: World Health Organization website
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