Asthma: Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment

Should you be worried about Asthma?

According to Global Asthma Report 2022 conducted by the Global Asthma Network, in Africa, asthma is the most prevalent non-communicable disease (NCD) affecting children and teenagers. The bulk of asthma-related morbidity and mortality are concentrated in low and middle-income nations. According to estimates, one in ten children suffer from asthma symptoms. Asthma frequently goes undiagnosed and ultimately results in deaths. Limited availability to necessary inhaled medications that are safe, effective, of high quality, and reasonably priced has a negative impact on the treatment of asthma when it is tested for and found.

Researchers from the Makerere University Lung Institute conducted a study that supports the general conclusions presented above. Their study demonstrates that in Uganda, 2 out of every 10 children between the ages of 12 and 15 experience asthma symptoms. Furthermore, even though the majority of those who screened positive for asthma had symptoms, only 33.9% of them were aware that they had the disease. Then there are those who experienced severe symptoms but never received a proper diagnosis, and some of them were receiving care for unrelated conditions.

This suggests that there is a considerable likelihood that our children and teenagers will develop asthma. Unfortunately, many children and teenagers may be suffering from asthma symptoms without their parents or guardians even being aware of it. It is vital for parents or guardians to properly screen their children for asthma when they see the symptoms and to begin treatment right away if the results are positive.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is defined as a respiratory condition that frequently blocks the airway presenting symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary in intensity. However, it is not the same for every case. Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms mentioned above.

Asthma Treatment

Create an asthma management plan right away if your child is diagnosed with the condition, and utilize it to stop symptoms. Together with a doctor, come up with this plan.

Finding your child’s asthma triggers and taking precautions to prevent them are part of the plan.

Possible triggers include:

Air pollution (dust, smoke),
Allergens(pollen from flowers),
Chilly air (cold weather),
The flu virus,
Tobacco smoke, and
Perfumes, among others.

Watch out for these triggers at home and limit them. Visit your child’s school and ensure the environment does not contain these triggers.

Encourage your child to limit their exposure to smoke from all sources, including cigarettes, candles, firewood, and burning grass, as it is hazardous for asthma. Ask your child to distance themselves from people who smoke in public.

Flu makes asthma symptoms worse. You child should avoid close contact with people who have flu.

Medication for asthma is intended to stop symptoms and attacks. Even if your child is symptom-free, he or she must take them daily. Keep an inhaler close at hand for when asthma attacks happen. Call the doctor if your child gets frequent or severe attacks.

What can the government do?

Create policies that will allow all persons with asthma in Uganda to have access to reasonably priced, high-quality medical care and asthma medications with quality assurance.