Asthma and Allergy Day was established at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is celebrated on May 30.
Allergy is an acute atypical reaction of the immune system to various substances. Such substances (allergens) can be household allergens, plant pollen, animal hair, household chemicals and cosmetics; food (eggs, milk, cereals, sesame seeds, nuts, honey), drugs, etc. An allergic reaction can manifest itself as allergic rhinitis, lacrimation (conjunctivitis), skin reactions, urticaria (itching, rash, etc.), Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock.
The main task of this day is to draw public attention to the problems of asthma and allergies. Statistics show that more than 40% of the world’s population has some kind of allergy. This is due to environmental degradation, declining food quality, daily use of cosmetics and household chemicals. Allergies are especially dangerous because they can develop into bronchial asthma.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the bronchi – the pathways by which air enters and leaves the lungs. Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to statistics, it affects more than 5% of the adult population and 10% of children. Asthma is not completely cured, but timely diagnosis and therapy can help control its course and live a full life.
Risk factors for the spread of allergies and asthma:
- smoking (active and passive), especially in childhood and during pregnancy
- medication, exposure to chemicals and the use of allergenic foods during pregnancy
- uncontrolled intake of hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics
- frequent use of products with synthetic additives
- stress and adverse environmental factors
