Over 260 million people around the world lived with asthma in 2019—and in that year alone, nearly 455,000 lives were lost to it.
The good news is asthma is highly manageable with the right treatment. Inhalers are the most essential tool for this chronic condition. However, millions still don’t have access to it.
That’s why the first Tuesday of May is observed as World Asthma Day, a global effort to raise awareness and push for better care. This year World Asthma Day 2025 falls on 6th May. Its message is loud and clear:
“Make inhaled treatments accessible for ALL.”
Because no one—no matter where they live or how much they earn—should have to fight for their next breath.
So, what exactly is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways, making it hard to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These are often triggered by pollution, exercise, allergens, or even stress.
But here’s the thing: asthma doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people have mild, occasional flare-ups. Others deal with it every single day. That’s why personalized treatment matters so much.
Why is this year’s theme so important?
When it comes to asthma, inhalers are lifesavers. Literally.
Inhalers are small, portable devices that help deliver medicine directly into the lungs. They help reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent potentially fatal asthma attacks.
There are two main types:
- Reliever inhalers: For quick relief during an asthma attack.
- Controller inhalers (usually steroid-based): For keeping symptoms in check every day.
However, the problem is that millions of people either can’t afford them, don’t have access to them, or don’t use them regularly because of myths or stigma. Even in wealthy countries, high costs often force people to skip doses or delay buying their meds.
That’s why this year’s focus is on making these inhalers affordable and available to everyone.
What’s the situation like in India?
India has over 35 million asthma patients, one of the highest numbers globally. And yet, access to proper care is alarmingly low.
- Cost: Inhalers are often too expensive for the average household.
- Availability: Rural areas struggle with stock shortages and inconsistent supply.
- Awareness: Many people wrongly believe asthma goes away on its own, or that using an inhaler is a sign of weakness.
The result is that too many people suffer in silence when they don’t have to.
What can be done?
Making inhalers accessible to all is not just about lowering prices. It’s about changing the system so that everyone—rich or poor, rural or urban—gets the treatment they need.
It’s about building an ecosystem where asthma care is a right, not a privilege.
Here’s what needs to happen:
- Government support: Asthma medications should be included in free or low-cost healthcare programs, especially in government hospitals and rural clinics.
- Doctor training: Many doctors still don’t prescribe controller inhalers properly. With better training, they can give the right advice and help patients manage asthma better.
- Better availability: Pharmacies, especially in small towns and villages, need to keep asthma medications in stock.
- Public awareness: More people need to know that asthma is not something to hide or be ashamed of. Using an inhaler is smart, not weak!
How healthtech is stepping up
Thankfully, technology is making asthma care smarter and more accessible. Several startups and companies are building tools that support better asthma management.
Leading players in this space include:
Teva’s ProAir Digihaler
It is the first FDA-approved smart inhaler, with built-in sensors that monitor inhaler use and provide predictive data about asthma exacerbations.
Propeller Health
It offers sensors that attach to inhalers, transmitting data to a smartphone app and helping users track their medication usage and adherence.
NuvoAir’s Aria Software
It helps remind users to take their medication and provides personalised care recommendations based on their asthma conditions.
Strados Labs’ RESP® Biosensor
It is a wearable device that monitors cough and wheeze, giving insights into disease burden and progression.
Final thoughts
Asthma doesn’t have to hold anyone back. With the right tools—especially regular use of controller inhalers—people can play, swim, travel, work, and live life to the fullest.
But to make that a reality, we must make inhalers affordable and available to all.
This World Asthma Day, let’s promise to learn more, speak up, and help build a world where everyone can breathe easily.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
