Physicians want government to partner pharmaceutical firms on asthma

Physicians have called on government to partner pharmaceutical companies on asthma by making medicines available to victims. They also called for increased awareness to enhance early diagnosis.

Speaking at the World Asthma Day, organised by the Department of Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, a Consultant Respiratory Physician, Dr. Olayinka Olufunke Adeyeye, described asthma as fallout of complex interactions between genetics and environment.

“While some types of asthma are inherited, others run in the family, where some members have what is called atopy. This involves itchy eyes, recurrent running nose and skin diseases, known as atopic dermatitis. In the younger age, more males are affected, but after 14 years, more females tend to suffer from the ailment. Obesity also increases likelihood of developing asthma. Exposure to certain triggers can lead to developing symptoms in those that are already predisposed.”

She added: “Asthma has no cure, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce chances of developing symptoms, which include avoidance of triggers, not smoking, avoiding rugs in homes, regular washing of curtains and beddings, cleaning surfaces with damp cloths and avoiding dusty areas.”