Today the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) in collaboration with the Global Allergy and Airways Patients Platform (GAAPP) is launching an educational website on asthma for patients and carers – AboutAsthma.org!
More than 30 million people in Europe live with asthma, a chronic respiratory disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult: it is one of the most common illnesses of children and data shows that it is increasingly widespread. However, asthma control remains relatively poor in Europe and across the world.
The new AboutAsthma.org educational website is inspired by the latest science for asthma diagnosis and management as well as information on how to grow up, live and be active with asthma.
The website is available in English, but other languages are foreseen by the end of the year.
AboutAsmtha.org – a comprehensive patient guide to asthma
AboutAsthma.org provides science-based information and tips to patients and carers across five areas: asthma symptoms, attacks, care, life with asthma and help. Take a look at the short overview of the website below.
Symptoms
Asthma is a complex disease and symptoms can vary from person to person. How does asthma feel and how does it affect the lungs? This section explains the types of asthma, the risk factors for developing asthma and symptoms in children.
Attacks
Asthma 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”) that a patient comes into contact with. This section explains how exacerbations occur and what to do when they happen.
Care
There are many tools that can support patients and carers to improve their asthma control and prevent attacks. This section provides practical information about monitoring symptoms, preparing for consultations, using the asthma action plan and creating an asthma journal.
Live
Living a life with asthma can be challenging at any age. In fact, if asthma is not well-controlled, patients may experience a heavy burden of symptoms that may interfere with day-to-day living, sleeping, and physical activities. This section provides tips for living with asthma per age group.
Help
Get prepared for the first consultation with a healthcare professional and for the follow-ups. Which healthcare provider to see, what you must know and how to communicate with your doctor – all explained in this section.
About the 2023 GUIDE Asthma project
The AboutAsthma.org website is part of EFA’s 2023 GUIDE Asthma Project. EFA thanks its Sustainable Corporate Partners Astra Zeneca, Chiesi and OM Pharma for their unrestricted educational grants to make it possible.
More information about the project is available on EFA’s website.
Acknowledgements
The AboutAsthma.org website is part of EFA’s 2023 GUIDE Asthma Project. The project has received unrestricted education grants from EFA’s Sustainable Corporate Partners Astra Zeneca, Chiesi and OM Pharma.
EFA thanks Prof. Dr. Helen Reddel, Chair of the Science Committee of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), Research Leader in the Clinical Management Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Director of the Australian Centre for Airways Monitoring, and member of the Australian Asthma Handbook Guidelines Committee, for the thorough review of the scientific content of the About Asthma website
EFA thanks the members of its Asthma and Allergy Working Group for providing insights throughout this project.
The website has been published in collaboration with the Global Allergy and Airways Patients Platform (GAAPP).