Professor Peters, who is also the
President of Nigeria Thoracic Society, NTS, made the disclosure, in Uyo on the
occasion of 2017 World Asthma Day.
He said that air pollution was an
important trigger for asthma, adding that most common causes of air pollution
in Nigeria include biomass fumes, cigarette smoke and motor vehicles exhaust.
He explained that studies have shown that the environment has huge impact on
asthma exacerbation whether from cigarette smoke or pollution within the
atmosphere.
This he noted, underscores the theme
of this year’s celebration, Asthma-Better Air, Better Breathing. ‘’We should
wage war against cigarette smoking, provide services to help current smokers
quit and prevent initiation of cigarette smoking in our population.
‘’Asthma is much more common than we
think, we need to see health providers if we have any symptoms suggestive of
asthma.” Professor Peters added that asthma could be well managed and person
with a diagnosis can live a normal life.
“Its symptoms include recurrent cough,
wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, which is worse when exercising
or in the night and can be relaxed with bronchodilator.
“These symptoms escalate when the
patient has acute illness, breathlessness, anxiiety, restlessness and a sweaty
child turns bluish because there is insufficient oxygen in the blood.”
‘’The key to good health is to take
medications as prescribed and avoid all known trigger and promptly seek medical
treatment if symptoms persist despite taking prescribed medications.”
He disclosed that the Nigeria
Thoracic Society, as an umbrella body of all professionals involved in
respiratory care has over the years committed its self to regular and
continuous update of its members and health workers in general on the
management of airways diseases, including asthma.
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