FIGHTING ASTHMA WITH EVERY BREATH
Asthma
is a chronic disease of the air passages that lead to and from the lungs that
makes breathing difficult. Usually there is an inflammation which results in a
temporary narrowing of the passages that carry oxygen to the lungs. Asthma
tends to run in families, suggesting one can inherit the component to the
disease. You're more likely to have asthma if your parents have it.
According
to WHO estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and it’s the most
chronic disease among children. WHO also notes that asthma affects people in
all countries around the world regardless of development although most deaths
occur in lower income countries.
In
Kenya, there are no public-sector supported asthma-care programmes designed to optimize
care for patients with asthma which greatly compounds the diagnosis and
treatment problem. Dr. Jeremiah Chakanya, the technical director of the Kenya
Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, says that the test
(spirometric lung infection test) which rules out other respiratory illnesses
with symptoms similar to asthma is available in public hospitals. However, due
to lack of awareness and the public understanding the severity of asthma test
is under-utilized. The price of the test ranges from free to a maximum of
ksh.3000.
Symptoms
vary from person to person and intensity, but generally includes coughing, wheezing,
shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure. Asthma sufferers often have
recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. Symptoms may occur several
times and one may become worse during physical activity. Cold air, tobacco
smoke, pollen, emotional reactions such as stress, anger, fear and medications
such as aspirin can aggravate symptoms of asthma.
There
is no known cure of asthma but the best treatment is to control the disease by
working closely with a physician, taking medications and avoiding triggers.
The
aim of World Asthma Day is to raise awareness, care and support for those
affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with
asthma. Support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers.
JEFFREY MAWILI
