Are you getting your peak flow measured today? Millions of people around the world will be on today, World Asthma Day organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Every year since 1998 the Initiative has organised the day in collaboration with healthcare providers and educators around the world.
GINA want to show the 235 million people worldwide 
suffering from asthma that they can control this chronic disease and that it does not have to control them. Doctors’ surgeries and pharmacists throughout the UK will be handing out leaflets and quizzes to raise awareness of asthma and its treatment and free peak flow tests will be offered to diagnose patients.
In the UK it is thought that one in every twelve adults, and one in every eleven children currently receive treatment for asthma although many others may be undiagnosed. Asthma is caused by an inflammation of the airways causing the airways to become sensitive and narrow when something irritates the lungs. There is no cure for asthma but there are a number of successful treatments including inhalers and oral steroids. If you are interested in finding a specialist for your asthma click here to see a range of doctors.
