Asthma

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) has initiated a global social movement to bring meaningful change in asthma management. The driving idea behind this initiative is a recognition that, while the current approach may feel sufficient to many, it falls short of optimal care. The IPCRG network sees clear evidence of avoidable harm and unnecessary costs in the current asthma management framework, which continue to impact lives and wellbeing.1 To counteract this, IPCRG's "Asthma Right Care" aims to inspire a shift towards better care practices by reducing both overuse and underuse of effective treatments. This means moving beyond episodic symptom relief and acute responses to establish a chronic care model that adheres to international or national asthma guidelines, prioritizing the appropriate use of anti-inflammatory inhaled medications.

A new European Respiratory Society (ERS) statement on preschool wheezing disorders represents a significant update in the approach to diagnosing and managing this complex condition in young children.

As we observe World Lung Day, it is crucial to reflect on the escalating impact of respiratory diseases across the globe. Chronic respiratory diseases — including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and others — continue to rank among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization’s latest data underscores the persistence of the global respiratory crisis:

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has released its 2024 update on asthma management and prevention. This report, authored by the GINA Science Committee, brings significant updates on various topics crucial for effective asthma management.