Head of the Pulmonary Unit at the University College Hospital, Dr Olumide Sogaolu, has stated that the common cold, not pneumonia, is the leading trigger of asthma globally.
He also said that it is a myth that using asthma inhalers indicates how severe the illness is.
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Sogaolu, speaking at the 2025 World Asthma Day celebration by the Pulmonary Unit at the University College Hospital in collaboration with the hospital’s Asthma Club, said upper tract infections are the number one trigger of asthma worldwide, and their treatment will prevent the infection from getting to the chest to trigger an asthmatic attack.
According to him, inhalers are actually used to ensure proper delivery of the asthma medicine into the lungs where it is really required and provide prompt support for the breathing mechanism in the lungs.
Dr Sogaolu stated that asthma can develop at any age but starts more often in early ages, causing many to experience asthmatic symptoms, including cough, chest tightness, wheeze and difficulty breathing that could be triggered by smoke, dust, industrial pollution, pollens, cockroaches, and changes in weather.
He declared that asthma shouldn’t be a reason for absenteeism at school or the workplace or an excuse for redeployment from remote places by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), because there are effective inhaler medications for asthma.
“Asthma has no cure per se, but it can be well controlled throughout life. The key thing is education. Asthmatics must know their triggers and how to avoid them,” he added.
Deputy Director of Nursing, Mrs Grace Adekoya, said asthma has a serious impact on the lives of persons with asthma, their families and relationships in the community and shouldn’t be overlooked.
She said physical limitations and physical exertion potentially lead to missed or reduced participation in social events and emotional problems when there is an asthmatic attack.
“While, asthma can present challenges to social life, we need proactive management. We need open communication and to seek support and we can help individuals maintain a fulfilling life and participate in activities they enjoy,” Mrs Adekoya added.
Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the UCH, Ibadan, Mrs Miriam Kayode-Edward, urged all asthmatics to enrol in the National Health Insurance to ensure the scheme can take care of their hospital visits and medications.
She said generic brands of their asthma medication are safe and they shouldn’t insist on buying branded versions that may increase their chances of patronising fake and substandard asthma medicines.
Dr Emmanuel Adesokan, a consultant pulmonologist at UCH, Ibadan, said inhaler medications are the best and the most appropriate for asthma control because they go directly to the lungs, where exactly they are needed, and at the right dose that is needed.
According to him, asthma medications in tablet form are ineffective and can cause a lot of side effects because the drug first goes into the stomach, gets dissolved, gets into the bloodstream, and goes everywhere in the body to achieve what it is intended for in the lungs.
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