Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting both children and adults. It is caused by inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways, which narrows the air passages and makes breathing difficult.[1]
Asthma symptoms can vary in severity and frequency and may come and go over time. Although asthma cannot currently be cured, appropriate treatment can effectively control symptoms and enable most people to lead normal and active lives.[1]
Global Impact
Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide and is the most common chronic disease among children. An estimated 363 million people were living with asthma in 2023, and the disease caused approximately 442,000 deaths.[1]
Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where underdiagnosis, undertreatment and limited access to inhaled medicines remain important challenges.[1]
Impact in India
Asthma is an important contributor to the burden of chronic respiratory disease in India. WHO data identify asthma among the important causes of respiratory morbidity and mortality in the country.[2]
India also faces substantial exposure to risk factors that can contribute to asthma and worsen existing disease, including tobacco smoke, household and outdoor air pollution, occupational exposures and respiratory infections.[2]
Risk Factors and Triggers
Factors associated with an increased risk of developing asthma include family history of asthma, allergic conditions such as eczema and allergic rhinitis, exposure to tobacco smoke, indoor and outdoor air pollution, house dust mites, moulds and other allergens, occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes or dust, viral respiratory infections, particularly during early life and overweight and obesity.[1]
Common triggers for asthma symptoms include dust, smoke, pollen, animal fur, strong fumes or perfumes, respiratory infections, changes in weather and physical exercise.[1]
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Persistent or recurrent cough, particularly at night
- Chest tightness.[1]
Symptoms may become significantly worse during an asthma attack or exacerbation. Severe attacks can require emergency treatment and may be life-threatening.[1]
Treatment and Management
Asthma cannot currently be cured, but effective treatment can control symptoms and reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks and death.[1]
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- Inhaled Medicines: Inhalers are the mainstay of asthma treatment. Bronchodilators help open narrowed airways and relieve symptoms, while inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and lower the risk of severe attacks. Combination inhalers containing both medicines may also be used.[1]
- Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and reducing exposure to individual asthma triggers, including tobacco smoke, air pollution and allergens, can help reduce symptoms and exacerbations.[1]
- Self-management: People with asthma should understand how to use their inhalers correctly, recognize worsening symptoms and follow an asthma action plan developed with their healthcare provider.[1]
Evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma have been developed jointly by the Indian Chest Society (ICS) and National College of Chest Physicians (India) [NCCP(I)], with the guideline development coordinated by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The guidelines provide recommendations on diagnosis, assessment of asthma control, pharmacological treatment, inhaler use, management of acute asthma and other important aspects of long-term asthma care. Available on: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4405919/ [3]
References
- World Health Organization. Asthma. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026 Apr 28. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia. Chronic respiratory diseases in WHO South-East Asia: burden, risk factors and services for prevention and management 2025. New Delhi: World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290221494
- Agarwal R, Dhooria S, Aggarwal AN, Maturu VN, Sehgal IS, Muthu V, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma: Joint ICS/NCCP (I) recommendations. Lung India. 2015;32(Suppl 1):S3–S42. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4405919/