World Asthma Day: Need To Improve Access To Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers, Says Dr Naveed | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Leading pulmonologist Dr Naveed Nazir Shah on Tuesday stressed the urgent need to improve access to life-saving asthma medication, particularly anti-inflammatory inhalers, calling it a critical public health priority.

World Asthma Day is being observed today to raise awareness about asthma care and improve access to treatment worldwide. Marked annually on the first Tuesday of May, it falls on May 5 this year.

Highlighting this year’s global theme “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma, still an urgent need”, Dr Naveed, who is the HoD in the Government Chest Diseases Hospital here, said asthma remains a major chronic respiratory illness that requires sustained awareness, timely diagnosis, and uninterrupted treatment.

Quoting surveys globally, Dr Naveed noted that despite asthma being manageable, a staggering 96 percent of asthma-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, largely due to lack of access to essential medicines.

“Anti-inflammatory inhalers are safe, effective, and indispensable in controlling symptoms and preventing fatalities, yet many patients still struggle to access them,” he said.

Dr Naveed also dispelled common myths, asserting that inhalers are not habit-forming, and encouraged patients to adhere to prescribed treatment plans. He underscored the importance of minimizing exposure to triggers such as air pollution, dust, and mold, which he said significantly aggravate asthma symptoms.

Calling for a patient-centric approach, Dr Naveed stressed the need for personalized asthma action plans, enabling individuals to better manage their condition and respond to flare-ups effectively.

“We should be pushing for better healthcare coverage and more affordable and accessible treatments.” (GNS)