Increase in asthma cases attributed to under reporting, poor air quality and limited access to inhalers – World Asthma Report

Asthma affects over 262 million people worldwide. It causes more than 450,000 deaths each year. This disease is a major public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.

In Ghana, asthma impacts both young and old individuals. Asthma-related hospital admissions make up about 10% of pediatric cases. The disease also leads to high mortality rates in underserved communities. Poor air quality and limited access to inhaled medications worsen the situation.

At the World Asthma Day event at Trust Hospital's Premium Centre in Accra, Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh spoke about urgent needs for asthma care. She called for policy reforms and increased investment in treatment.

Dr. Ameh described asthma as a national crisis, not just a personal issue. She emphasized the need for better infrastructure to improve access to essential treatments.

"Currently, only one in three asthma patients in Ghana receives proper inhaled treatment," Dr. Ameh stated. "This is unacceptable and a national emergency." She noted that asthma is a leading cause of hospital admissions among children.

Globally, around 250 million people live with asthma. The World Health Organization reports nearly 1,000 daily deaths from asthma complications. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

The Global Asthma Report 2022 found that 96% of asthma-related deaths happen in these regions. Access to preventive inhalers is often limited or unavailable there. Despite inhaled medications being crucial for management, many patients suffer due to poor access.

Dr. Nana Ama Abankwah, Chief of Medical Staff at Trust Hospital, raised concerns about adult-onset asthma. This condition remains underreported in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Without awareness and diagnosis, more people risk severe attacks that could lead to death.

"Adult-onset asthma is increasingly prevalent but often overlooked," Dr. Abankwah explained. She stressed the importance of enhancing diagnosis for adults who may not show traditional symptoms.

In response to these challenges, Trust Hospital has launched specialized asthma clinics. These clinics provide personalized care plans for patients and focus on educating them about proper management and inhaler use.

As Ghana faces the burden of asthma, calls for greater access to treatments are urgent. Collective efforts are needed to improve care and reduce preventable deaths from this condition.