In 2004, GINA released a report called "The Global Burden of Asthma." The group said asthma is a growing problem in both industrial and developing countries. It estimated that there may be an additional 100 million people with asthma by the year 2025.

GINA says there are many things that people can do to control their asthma.

People should know the causes of their asthma symptoms and try to avoid these triggers. For example, seek to avoid animal hair, dust, pollen and cigarette smoke. Some people may need to take medicines before they work hard or exercise.

Asthma patients should work with their doctors to control the disorder. They should go to the doctor for medical examinations even if they are feeling fine. They should make sure they understand how and when to take their medicines. They also should act quickly to treat asthma attacks and know when to seek medical help.

The Global Initiative for Asthma urges governments and health officials to do more to improve asthma control. GINA hopes to reduce asthma hospitalization by 50 percent by the year 2015.

This Science in the News was written by June Simms, who was also our producer. I'm Bob Doughty.

And I'm Shirley Griffith. Join us again next week for more news about science on the Voice of America.