Why asthma impacts women differently: understanding realities and gaps in care
Asthma disproportionately affects women, yet social stigma—particularly in India—often leads women to hide their condition or avoid treatment to appear 'perfect' for marriage. The article calls for better awareness to address the health risks of untreated chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
It highlights how cultural expectations and gender-based stigma can create significant barriers to effective healthcare for women.
“My daughter’s asthma seems to be well in control; we can stop using the inhaler now”. This is a common statement Indian doctors hear from parents of young women. More often than not, this conversation happens because the daughter is going to get married soon, and parents are worried that her in-laws would view the use of an inhaler as an imperfection or disability. This scenario reflects a larger and often unspoken challenge about how chronic illnesses like asthma are perceived, especially in women, and how social stigma can interfere with appropriate care.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in