The latest figures from the World Health Organization say asthma affects between 100 and 150 million people around the world and kills around 2 million every year. The data make asthma one of the most common chronic diseases.

In Europe, it affects around 8% of the population of Britain, 5% in Ireland and 2% in Greece. In Spain the figures go from 1% in Huelva to 1.1% in the town of Galdako in Vizcaya province, 1.7% in Oviedo, 3.5 % in Barcelona and 4.7% in Albacete.

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The areas of Spain with the lowest incidence of asthma are Almer�a, Castell�n and Valencia, while the worst-hit are Bilbao, Barcelona and C�diz.

Experts don�t know why the rates vary so much, but say it may be due to nutritional, climatic or genetic factors. For just this reason, the rate is lower in Mediterranean countries than in Anglo-Saxon ones.

The phenomenon is serious enough for World Asthma Day to be held every year in May so as to provide people with information on the disease.

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Definition and symptoms
What exactly is asthma? It is generally a chronic disease involving inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. The inflammation stems from irritation caused by certain stimuli such as pollen, pollution, smoke and physical exertion. The disease requires lifelong medical treatment. It is important to know the symptoms.
- Coughing while doing exercise.
- Shortness of breath while resting.
- A raspy sound from the chest when breathing.
- A feeling of heaviness in the chest.

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What factors cause asthma attacks?
- Viral infections
- Pollen, mites, and pet hair
- Exposure to tobacco, smoke, the smell of paint, some perfumes, varnishes, air fresheners and pesticides.
- Emotions such as laughter, fear, nervousness and stress
- Medicines like aspirin and betablockers
- Cold, heat, storms and rain
- Physical exertion

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What to do
- Clean dust from the house regularly with a vacuum cleaner and damp cloth
- Clean filters in air conditioners and heaters at least once a month
- Avoid use of rugs, carpets and upholstered furniture
- Have kids play with wooden toys instead of stuffed ones
- Curtains should be washable cotton or plastic
- Cushions should contain foam rubber, and quilts made of acrylic fabrics
- Use sheets and pajamas made of linen or dacron
- Don�t store wool blankets or garments in the closet
- Reduce the humidity level in your house to 50%
- Don�t use lined slippers or gloves made of leather
- Especially at times of pollenization, avoid going out into the country or walking in gardens, and keep doors and windows closed.
- Avoid having plants that bloom.
- Wear sunglasses and mouth masks.
- Moisten the air in your bedroom before going to bed.
- Bathe pets once a week.
- Don�t smoke, or allow smoking in places where there is a person with asthma.
- Don�t use air fresheners or aerosol insectisides.
- Avoid cleaning products like ammonia and nitric acid. Use bleach, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Don�t use talcum powder

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There are two kinds of asthma medicines: bronchiodilators, which help ease asthma attacks once they have started, and anti-inflammatories that aim to prevent them from occurring.

There are two kinds of anti-inflammatories.

-�Corticosteroids protect respiratory passages from irritants and allergens. They can be inhaled, or taken as pills or syrup. They are taken over the course of several days.

- Non-steroids, meanwhile, which are inhaled, protect the bronchial tubes from allergens and help avert asthma attacks triggered by physical exercise.

There are also two kinds of bronchiodilators. Fast-acting ones, which are inhaled, open respiratory passages and facilitate breathing quickly. They also stop an attack under way and head off attacks caused by exercise. Sustained-action bronchiodilators are slower but provide improved breathing over a longer period. They prevent attacks at night and those triggered by physical exercise. They can be inhaled or taken as pills.

Vaccinations are also an effective therapy, especially as a preventive measure.
Homeopathic medicines, acupuncture and alternative or natural medicines are usually not effective and in many cases can be dangerous for patients if they go off their usual medication.

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One of doctors� main worries is overconfidence in patients who go off their medication because they feel good. In 50% of cases, patients who have not had an asthma attack for months stop taking their medication. The message from doctors is clear: never quit taking your medication and always consult with your physician, advise him of any change in your condition and undergo periodic checkups.