More than 250 million people worldwide are living with asthma - WHO

World Asthma Day is commemorated annually on the first Tuesday in May.

More than 250 million people worldwide are living with asthma – a significant global health burden. The 2025 theme is “Make inhaled treatments accessible for all,” which reinforces the urgency of ensuring universal access to affordable, quality-assured asthma medicines.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The World Health Organisation says that despite decades of evidence showing that inhaled treatments — including bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids — reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent deaths, access remains inadequate in many low- and middle-income countries.

Cape Town in particular has a high prevalence of asthma, especially in young children and adolescents. It is also the most prevalent chronic illness among children.

According to figures from the City of Cape Town, between May 2024 and the end of April 2025, City Health pharmacies issued 8 912 inhalers for acute care and 34 431 inhalers for chronic care, highlighting both the scale of the issue and the importance of proper usage.

Inhalers for acute care are used to rapidly open the airways during asthma attacks or flare-ups, while a chronic care inhaler or steroid pump is a daily preventive medication that reduces airway inflammation to help control and prevent asthma symptoms over time.

‘There is no cure for asthma, but if it is managed effectively, then persons living with it can lead very healthy, happy and active lives. According to our clinic staff, the incorrect use of inhalers is one of the most common challenges. So whether you are an adult using an inhaler or responsible for a child with asthma, please be sure to administer doses correctly, and as directed by a medical professional. We are heading into winter, when asthma symptoms typically worsen, so now is the time to make sure that you are protected,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

TIPS ON EFFECTIVE INHALER USE

• Regularly check inhaler technique: Many people assume that they are using their inhaler correctly. Medication must reach your lungs, instead of going down your throat, which can easily occur with improper technique. From time to time, check in with your pharmacists or doctor to double check your method.

• Monitor and limit use of the acute (reliever) inhaler: Quick-relief inhalers are not designed to prevent, but rather to treat acute episodes. While they may appear to be more effective at the time, using them too often (more than three times a day) can actually mask the worsening of asthma and increase the risk of side effects like tremors and rapid heart rate. Frequent use is a sign that your asthma isn’t well controlled. It may warrant your doctor adjusting your chronic dose.

• Never share inhalers or use someone else’s inhaler: Using another person’s inhaler, or allowing others to use yours, can be dangerous due to the risk of contamination or spreading of unwanted illnesses.

• Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler: This helps remove any medication that may have settled in your mouth and throat, reducing the risk of fungal infections and other oral complications.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi