The Nigerian Thoracic society has called on Nigerians to adopt preventive medications and early treatment of Asthma to avoid complications.
President of the society, Professor Prince Ele who stated this in a press statement in Uyo to mark 2020 world Asthma day said that the aim of event was to raise awareness on Asthma and how it affects patients.
He said, “As a chronic lung disease which causes breathing difficulties and affects sufferers to varying degree, Asthma is caused by inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, which is sometimes in reaction to exercise, stress, or changes in temperature.”
The disease according to him is not usually curable but can be adequately controlled to allow the sufferers lead a virtually normal life.
According to him, Asthma is controlled by prevention medication for chronic symptoms and relief medication for flare-ups symptoms, ‘”but education and understanding are key to its effective control which could be fatal if not managed properly”
Professor Ele explained that the struggles of people suffering from asthma are recognized on the World Asthma Day which is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday in the month of May to educate and raise awareness of the condition in the hope of relieving suffering and reducing death.
He noted that the theme for this year’s event ‘’Enough of Asthma Death” is very apt especially with the current serious health and economic challenges, occasioned by the Covid 19 pandemic the world is passing through.
His words, “In the light of this global pandemic which is also primarily a respiratory disorder, we have opted to have a low key observation of this event with a press statement”
“We therefore salute all the health care workers and scientist that are working tirelessly to bring about a solution to the dreaded covid 19 scourges and to encourage asthma patients to continue to take their medications regularly to avoid triggers”
“we equally urge them to also observe social distancing and proper cough etiquette as well as wearing of face masks when outdoors.”
