[Brussels, May 6, 2024, World Asthma Day] – With more than 30 million people in Europe living with asthma, a chronic respiratory disease of the airways that can impair lung function, the need for improved asthma control is critical. Despite these alarming statistics, asthma management remains relatively poor worldwide[1]. The newly launched AboutAsthma.org is poised to bring about significant change, providing groundbreaking support to asthma patients and their caregivers.
AboutAsthma.org is a comprehensive online guide developed by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA), packed with evidence-based information, patient education materials and treatment guidelines to effectively manage asthma and enhance quality of life and well-being.
"We firmly believe that aboutasthma.org stands as a cornerstone in achieving enhanced asthma management and control. By placing asthma science and patients' experience at the heart of its content, the website offers a wealth of reliable educational resources in accessible language." stated Marcia Podestà, President of EFA "Our dedication extends to maintaining content relevance and currency, with annual updates reflecting the latest research findings. We invite everyone affected by asthma to explore the website and benefit from its offerings."
AboutAsthma.org offers accurate and easily comprehensible insights and tips tailored to different age groups across five key areas: asthma symptoms, attacks, care strategies, life with asthma, and seeking professional help, including guidance on initial consultations and follow-up care.
Furthermore, the website is also available in French, Italian and Spanish and is planned to be translated into three more languages, ensuring accessibility for individuals worldwide.
About the website AboutAsthma.org – a comprehensive resource for patients and carers
AboutAsthma.org provides science-based information and tips to patients and carers around five areas: asthma symptoms, attacks, care, life with asthma and help.
- The Asthma Symptoms section explains the types of asthma, the risk factors for developing asthma and symptoms in children.
- Attacks or “flare-ups” occur when the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to breathe. They often take place as a reaction of the lungs to an external substance (“trigger”) a patient comes in contact with. The Asthma Attacks section explains how exacerbations occur and what to do when they happen.
- As for Asthma Care, there are many tools that can support patients and carers to improve their asthma control and prevent attacks. The section provides practical information about monitoring symptoms, preparing for consultations, using the asthma action plan and creating an asthma journal.
- Living a Life with asthma can be challenging at any age. In fact, if asthma is not well-controlled, the patient may experience a heavy burden of symptoms that may interfere with day-to-day living, sleeping, and physical activities. The section provides tips for living with asthma per age group.
- The closing section, Asthma Help, offers recommendations on consulting a healthcare professional for the first time and follow-up consultations.
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About EFA
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is the voice of the 200 million people living with allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe. We bring together 45 national associations from 26 countries and channel their knowledge and demands to the European institutions. We connect European stakeholders to ignite change and bridge the policy gaps on allergy and airways diseases so that patients live uncompromised lives, have the right and access to the best quality care and a safe environment. Learn more at efanet.org.
About aboutasthma.org
This website is a vital resource born out of the EFA’s commitment to delivering timely, accessible, and patient-centered care and innovation for allergy, asthma and COPD patients across Europe.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of EFA’s Asthma and Allergy Working Group for their invaluable asthma insights throughout the discussions that have shaped this website. Special recognition goes to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) for their expert advice and to the Global Allergy and Airways Patients Platform (GAAPP) for their unwavering support in promoting the website.
Visit AboutAsthma.org today to explore more and discover how we are working together to empower patients and transform asthma care across Europe.
About the 2023 GUIDE Asthma project
AboutAsthma.org is an integral part of EFA’s ambitious 2023 GUIDE Asthma Project. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to EFA’s Sustainable Corporate Partners Astra Zeneca, Chiesi and OM Pharma for their generous unrestricted educational grants, which have made this initiative possible. For further details about the project, visit EFA’s website and discover how we are improving asthma care together.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Isabel Proaño | Director of Policy and Communications | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel.: +32 (0)2 227 2712
[1] “Active Asthma and COPD Patients ACCESS Care Report”, 2019 undefined