World Asthma Day: Medical Experts Urges Patients To Take Control Of Condition

By Simeon OSAJIE

Medical Women Association of Nigeria, (MWAN), Edo State and
The Respiratory Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH) joined the rest of the world to mark the 2023 World Asthma Day.

Dr. Ibifiri Omoaghe, Senior Registrar Respiratory Unit, Department of Medicine, UBTH while speaking to journalists said World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on the first Ruesday of the month of May which is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.

She explained that Asthma is a condition in which the airway is inflamed, causing it to become narrower, reducing airflow through them and making the individual breathless.

While speaking further on the theme of this year’s “Asthma Care for all”, the Medical experts called on both public and private sectors to create a conducive work environment devoid of sensitizers that could trigger asthma as well as contribute to the already high incidence of asthma in Nigeria.

The scientific research has shown that the resources poor countries suffers more morbidity and mortality from this diesel. Asthma care for all state that whatever benefits the rich resources country get, there should be able to replicate in poor countries to avoid no discrimination, all health care workers should be able to reach out to those in the grassroot, so everyone can get the same care.

She highlighted some of the symptoms of asthma to include difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and also speaks on the treatment for asthma patients.

Dr. Omoaghe said it can occur in those that have these alergic symptoms, so before these symptoms starts, they may have pre-symptoms like aligic eyes, itchy, chatter and skin rashes.

Going further, Dr. Omaghe added: “We have group of drugs that we use, the relievers and the controller. The relievers are used for emergency why the controller are used for treatment steadily. Other ways of management are proper use of inhaler technic. Consistent used of medication. Finally, know your trigger and avoid them.”

She called for government involvement in handling asthma diseases like assisting in awareness campaigns in schools, designing public facilities with asthma in mind, among others.