Laying stress on proper care and medication for asthmatics, various non-government bodies organised talks and lectures to mark World Asthma Day in the Tricity today. Health Aid Medicare (I), which is working for promotion of good health in schools, conducted the lectures and workshops at schools on asthma in children and its treatment. Children were made aware about causes, risk factors and preventive measures for asthma. They were also told about exercises to increase lung function and power. "We organised workshops and lectures in Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, MRA Senior Secondary School, St Soldier International School, Bluebird High School, Doon International School, Anee's School. Issues affecting asthma treatment, namely pollution, smoking, proper care and medication were discussed,' said Dr Anju Gupta, secretary of the NGO. Doctors said that asthma is associated with considerable patient morbidity, a diminution of productivity and an increase in healthcare utilisation. The prognosis of asthma remains good with as many as 60 to 80 per cent of patients being able to lead normal lives without much disruption. "Around 10-20 per cent of patients continue to have severe attacks throughout their lives. The most cost-effective way to reduce the burden of this chronic disease is by creating awareness about the disease. Laws that would reduce smoke-related cases of asthma should be strictly enforced.' "Increasing air pollution is also one of the biggest factors contributing to the rise in cases of respiratory infections. Therefore, pollution control is also plays an important role to limit asthma,' Gupta added. The total number of asthma patients in India is estimated at over 30 million patients.