By CHIOMA OBINNA

As Nigeria, yesterday, joined the rest of the world to mark the 2013 World Asthma Day, experts have called on both the public and private sectors to create a conducive work environment devoid of sensitisers that could trigger occupational asthma, as well as contribute to already high incidence of asthma in Nigeria.

Also, operators of companies dealing in strong chemicals that can trigger asthma in adults have also been advised to ensure adequate protection of their staff to prevent them from developing the condition.

The Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Dr. Jide Idris who gave the advise, also urged parents and guardians to engage with health care professionals on improved knowledge, awareness and management of childhood asthma to check the chronic condition that is most commonly responsible for absence of pupils from schools across the federation.

Speaking at a symposium organised by the Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation, ENOF, established last year in memory of late Nelson Oyedokun, a 13-year-year-old boy who died from asthma with the theme: “You Can Control Your Asthma,” said asthma deaths are ultimate tragic evidence of uncontrolled asthma and these were mostly preventable if control measures are effectively instituted.

According to the commissioner, the prevalence of asthma is increasing throughout the world, especially as communities adopt western lifestyles and become urbanised.

He said: “This is of great relevance to Nigeria, especially Lagos, which is presently undergoing an economic transition.

“An estimated 300 million people worldwide have asthma according to the Global Burden of Asthma Report, a compilation of public data on the prevalence and impact of asthma around the world. “Children constitute a reasonable percentage of those afflicted”.

Quoting the report, the commissioner who was represented by Dr. Jemilade Longe, Director of Disease Control, for health in Lagos said, the prevalence of asthma was increasing throughout the world, especially as communities adopt western lifestyles and become urbanised. “It is estimated that there may be an additional 100 million persons worldwide with asthma by 2025, and the developing world may be disproportionally contributing to this increase,” Idris lamented.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterised by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.

Although, asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively treated, said Idris.

Medical Director of Massey Children Hospital, Dr. Abieyuwa Emokpae while noting that strong chemicals like paints can trigger asthma in adults, advised persons at risk of asthma to avoid strong fume, perfume, insecticide, mentholatum, smoke, among others.

In his presentation, a Professor of Paediatrics, James Renner advised parents to first get a proper diagnosis of asthma and prevent living in denial of the condition.

Secondly, he noted that affected persons should stick to the health plan regarding when to use drug and when not to use the drug. “They should know which drug to use and for what situation. There should be no fears for mother to manage asthmatic children,” said Renner.

In her remarks, Lola Ilaka and founder of the ENOF said the objective of the organisation is to create awareness about asthma and to touch lives, adding that ENOF will train health care providers on improved asthma care and create avenue for people to learn about asthma.