CHIESI’S OPEN DIALOGUE WITH PATIENTS
The primary objective of the campaign is to raise awareness about topics related to the well-being of people living with respiratory conditions, by sharing useful information for patients and caregivers. Going beyond the constraints imposed by health conditions, and enjoying a life of limitless opportunities is possible.
Here you can find more information about asthma, along with some useful suggestions on how to improve the daily lives of those suffering from it.
The guiding principle is supporting patients in their daily activities to enhance their quality of life.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting 262 million people of all ages worldwide.1
It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.
Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, asthma is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, potentially leading to more serious injuries for those affected by this condition.2 Furthermore, asthma is an “invisible” disease, in the sense that it is not visible from the outside, although it can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities.3
People with undertreated asthma can suffer sleep disturbance, daytime fatigue, and poor concentration. Asthma sufferers and their families may miss school and work, with a financial impact on the family and wider community. If symptoms are severe, people with asthma may need to receive emergency health care and they may be admitted to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. In the most severe cases, asthma can lead to death.2
- A persistent cough, especially at night
- Wheezing when exhaling and sometimes when inhaling
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting
- Chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply.
These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time. Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be managed with the right treatment, to overcome the limitations imposed by the disease. Some people experience worse symptoms when they have a cold or during changes in the weather. Other triggers can include dust, smoke, fumes, grass and tree pollen, animal fur and feathers, strong soaps, and perfume. Symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. It is essential for people experiencing asthma symptoms to consult a specialized healthcare provider.2
Anyone can develop Asthma at any age.4 People with allergies or those exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop Asthma. This includes secondhand smoke (exposure to someone else who is smoking) and thirdhand smoke (exposure to clothing or surfaces in places where someone has smoked).5 Statistics show that females tend to have asthma more frequently than males.6 Lastly, asthma is more prevalent among African American individuals compared to other ethnic groups.7
THE ASTHMA ZONE SYSTEM
The asthma zone system is a method used to help people manage their asthma by dividing their symptoms into different zones based on severity. There are three zones: green, yellow, and red.
Green Zone: This is the "good to go" zone. Your asthma is under control, and you can do your usual activities without any trouble.
Yellow Zone: This is the "caution" zone. Your asthma is acting up a bit, and you need to be careful. It's like a warning sign to pay attention to your symptoms.
Red Zone: This is the "danger" zone. Your asthma is severe, and you need help right away. It's like a stop sign telling you to act immediately.
By recognizing which zone they're in, individuals with asthma can take appropriate actions outlined in their asthma action plan to manage their symptoms effectively and prevent serious complications.8
references:
- Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet. 2020;396(10258):1204-22
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
- An invisible disease: severe asthma is more than just “bad asthma” https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/3/1701109?ctkey=shareline
- Asthma in Adults https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201703-259OC
- Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke: Emerging Evidence and Arguments for a Multidisciplinary Research Agenda https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1103500
- National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). 2022 NHIS Child Summary Health Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.cdc.gov/d/wxz7-ekz9
- Asthma and African Americans. (2021). https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=15#
- Asthma Action Plan https://acaai.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/asthma_actplan.pdf
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ABOUT CHIESI
Chiesi is an international, research-focused biopharmaceuticals group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The company’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment.
By changing its legal status to a Benefit Corporation in Italy, the US, and France, Chiesi’s commitment to create shared value for society as a whole is legally binding and central to company-wide decisionmaking. As a certified B Corp since 2019, we’re part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. The company aims to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 2035.
With over 85 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), operates in 31 countries, and counts more than 6,500 employees. The Group’s research and development centre in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden.
For further information, please visit www.chiesi.com
