Asthma should not be stigmatised

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in the lung; it makes the airway swollen, narrow, and sometimes filled with mucus, making it difficult for person to breathe. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), asthma affected estimated 262 million people worldwide, and it has caused about 455,000 deaths.

Sadly, many people living with asthma are misunderstood, neglected or even mocked.  A student with the health condition narrated her experience. According to her: “I remembered one time I broke down at a friend’s side and she shouted at me, saying, ‘If you want to die, don’t die in my house.”‘ At times, they will even abuse me with the words like, “Even you that is using inhaler also want to contribute to what we are saying. Sometimes I have to miss exam because of the condition.”

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People need to be sensitised that asthma is a chronic condition that is killing silently but the awareness is low. Dusty environment, smoke-filled room, strong perfumes and chemicals trigger asthma. The general public needs to understand this, and desist from the acts that trigger this condition, such as burning of bushes, chemicals release, environment pollution and the likes.

Health organisation, schools, media platform, and the government need to increase awareness on asthma. Our society needs to become more aware and compassionate toward people living with asthma because breathing should not be taken for granted.

Rita Oluwasaanufunmi is a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.