TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Cathay General Hospital said Monday that around two million individuals in Taiwan suffer from asthma.

Asthma, a chronic lung disease, causes the muscles around the airways to tighten, restricting airflow during breathing. The condition requires ongoing medical management and does not go away. 

The first Tuesday of May is World Asthma Day. To mark the occasion, Cathay General Hospital held related health education activities on Monday, per CNA. Wu Jiin-torng (吳錦桐), a pulmonologist at the hospital, said that some patients stop taking their medication when symptoms temporarily disappear, which may worsen their condition.

Wu said that asthma needs to be managed with long-term use of steroid inhalers to reduce inflammation caused by airway sensitivity. Chronic inflammation without control can lead to lasting changes in the airways and cause breathing difficulties.

Some asthma patients worry that using inhalers might affect their health because they contain steroids, Wu said. He noted that only long-term use of high-dose oral steroids would lead to side effects.

According to the Health Promotion Administration, more than 260 million people worldwide have asthma, causing over 450,000 deaths annually. In Taiwan, about 12% of adults and 15% of children are affected by the respiratory condition.

In 2021, 21.6% of asthma patients aged 12 and older in Taiwan experienced an asthma attack within the year, the administration said. Among those, 21% did not have regular follow-up appointments with their doctors as instructed, and 15.1% visited the emergency room due to the condition.

For asthma patients, avoiding allergens such as dust, dust mites, mold, and animal fur can help reduce attacks, the administration added. Reducing exposure to cold air, secondhand smoke, and strong fragrances can also lower the risk of asthma flare-ups.