Today, on 5 May, the EFA Community marks World Asthma Day 2026 under the theme #EmpoweredToBreathe – taking control of asthma every day.
Across Europe, EFA members are sharing one common message: people with asthma need timely diagnosis, clear information and care they can rely on in daily life.
That message comes from many different national realities, but the concerns are similar. For some, the challenge begins with symptoms that are easy to dismiss such as a cough that keeps coming back, breathlessness, or signs that come and go until daily life starts adjusting around them more than it should. For others, the challenge comes later: understanding treatment, using inhalers correctly, following a management plan, or continuing to get the right follow-up as life changes.
Community messages and actions across Europe
Across the EFA Community, members are sharing what better asthma care looks like in practice: being able to recognise symptoms earlier, helping people reach the right diagnosis sooner, making tests such as spirometry more accessible and giving patients the tools to manage asthma with more confidence.
They are also showing what this means in daily life: management plans that work outside the clinic, better communication with healthcare professionals, support for young people growing up with asthma and more space for patients to talk openly about how asthma affects their lives.
Several member organisations are also marking the day through local activities and public engagement, using World Asthma Day not only to raise awareness, but also to create spaces where patients can learn, connect and feel heard.
Why information is essential for good asthma care
At the heart of this year’s theme is the idea that information and education are essential to good asthma care. Patients are better placed to act when they understand their symptoms, know what treatment options are available and have practical tools to manage asthma with more confidence. That is especially important for people who are newly diagnosed, for families supporting children with asthma and for teenagers learning to manage their condition more independently.
Practical information for patients and carers at AboutAsthma.org
To support this year’s action, EFA is highlighting AboutAsthma.org, its educational website for patients and carers. The website offers practical information on symptoms, attacks, care, daily life and support, alongside a dedicated resource page with materials shared by patient organisations across Europe. The resource page also brings together community materials in different formats and languages, including apps, brochures, action plans, videos, websites and other practical tools developed by EFA members across Europe. AboutAsthma.org is currently available in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
On this World Asthma Day, EFA invites patients, carers and advocates to explore the website and follow the action on social media. Through #EmpoweredToBreathe action, the EFA Community is making the case for asthma care that is clearer, more practical and connected to real life.
Thank you to all the EFA members who are sharing their knowledge, messages and resources across Europe!