Overview

• Asthma affects 3.68 million people in Germany, with prevalence stable but high; international variations in definitions complicate exact data comparisons.
• The disease often begins in early childhood, with 80% of cases diagnosed by age four, and may go into remission during puberty, especially in boys with mild forms.
• Asthma is highly variable across life stages, influenced by factors such as allergies, viral infections, and smoke exposure, with new cases also emerging in adulthood.
• During pregnancy, one-third of women experience worsened symptoms, but inhaled medications are safe and essential to maintain stability and avoid risks.
• Correct diagnosis is critical in older adults to distinguish asthma from COPD, ensuring appropriate treatment and normal life expectancy regardless of severity.