On World Asthma Day, Olive Hospital in Hyderabad renewed its commitment to raising awareness and improving access to asthma care across India. The hospital highlighted the urgent need to address asthma as a major public health issue.
India carries a heavy asthma burden, making up more than 13% of global cases. Around 17.23 million people in the country suffer from the condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affects over 262 million people worldwide and causes roughly 455,000 deaths each year.
In India, asthma-related deaths and disabilities often stem from poor air quality, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to effective long-term treatment.
This year’s World Asthma Day theme, “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All,” calls attention to the need for better access to essential medications like inhalers.
Dr. Syed Taha Mahmood, a Consultant Pulmonologist at Olive Hospital, emphasized that asthma can be controlled with proper treatment. “Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators work well in most cases,” he said. “But many people don’t know this or can’t get the medicines they need. We must close this gap.”
Research shows that asthma symptoms are present in 3.16% of children aged 6–7, 3.63% of those aged 13–14, and 3.3% of adults in India. Many children with asthma go undiagnosed, which can lead to serious complications later in life.
To combat this, Olive Hospital is pushing for more asthma education and better access to medication. The hospital urges patients to use their inhalers regularly, avoid triggers like pollution and allergens, and schedule routine check-ups.
Doctors also recommend creating a personalized asthma action plan with a healthcare provider. This helps patients recognize early signs of flare-ups and respond quickly.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also support asthma management. Olive Hospital suggests regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, managing stress, and getting yearly flu shots to protect lung health.
Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic coughing, especially during the night or early morning. Triggers often include cold air, respiratory infections, and some medications.
Olive Hospital, a 210-bed multispecialty facility in Telangana, provides services in cardiology, emergency care, neurology, orthopaedics, urology, and diagnostics. It is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
Through its World Asthma Day initiative, Olive Hospital aims to ensure that asthma is no longer ignored or misunderstood—and that every patient receives the care they deserve.
