•Occupational exposures also play a key role in causing asthma mostly jobs that expose one to chemicals, dust and fumes which irritate the lungs.
•Common signs and symptoms of Asthma include shortness of breath
In a world where each breath of air is a precious gift, the silent struggle of asthma engulfs millions of lives across the world in fear and uncertainty.
On Tuesday, Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking World Asthma Day.
It is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.
The day is marked on the first Tuesday in May annually. This year, the day is being held under the theme, 'Asthma Education Empowers'.
According to the World Health Orgnaisation (WHO), asthma is a chronic lung disease characteriSed by inflammation and narrowing of the airways leading to difficulty in breathing.
The WHO notes that asthma is a major Non-communicable Disease (NCD) affecting both children and adults.
It is ranked as the most common chronic disease among children.
Research conducted by Global Allergy and Airways patient platform shows that there is a 25 per cent chance a child gets asthma if one of the parents has it and 50 per cent chance if both parents have it.
"Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be managed with the right treatment," WHO says.
The global health agency further notes that symptoms of the disease can vary from one person to another.
The WHO lists persistent cough especially at night and wheezing when exhaling and sometimes when inhaling as some of the most common symptoms.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting, chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply are other symptoms according to WHO.
"Some people will have worse symptoms when they have a cold or during changes in the weather," the WHO says.
"Other triggers can include dust, smoke, fumes, grass and tree pollen, animal fur and feathers, strong soaps and perfume," it adds.
WHO says a person who has a close relative with asthma has a higher risk of developing the disease.
It also notes that the disease may be triggered by allergic conditions or exposure to a range of environmental allergens and irritants.
In addition, smoking poses the risk of contracting Asthma, both to active and passive smokers.
This is because smoke particles cause airways to swell and become narrow, produce too much mucus, and cause cilia damage all leading g to difficulty in breathing.
Preventing asthma involves a mix of smart strategies and medications.
Preventive measures include regular checkups where you regularly visit your health advisor, inhaler techniques, keeping up with medication, and knowing your triggers.
"Asthma cannot be cured but there are several treatments available. The most common treatment is to use an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs," the WHO notes.
Unfortunately, asthma does not have a definite cure but can be managed through quick relief medication, long-term asthma medications and biologics which are injections used for severe asthma to reduce inflammation.