- It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder for a person to breathe
- The WHO lists symptoms of asthma as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, which can be mild or severe and can come and go over time
The country has been hit by a shortage of asthma inhalers with importers blaming it on the government’s single payment system.
Pharmacists said the popular Ventolin inhaler, made by GSK, is completely unavailable.
Other Salbutamol inhaler brands are in short supply and have become expensive.
Chances are that you might know someone who is asthmatic; either a friend or a relative. But do you know what asthma is and why inhalers are important?
The World Health Organisation says asthma is a major non-communicable disease, affecting both children and adults, but is the most common chronic disease among children.
It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder for a person to breathe.
The WHO lists symptoms of asthma as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, which can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.
Changes in the weather, dust, smoke, fumes, grass and tree pollen, animal fur and feathers, strong soaps and perfume are some of the asthma triggers.
While the prevalence of asthma in Kenya has not been comprehensively documented, it is estimated that approximately 10 per cent of the Kenyan population, or nearly four million people, have asthma with a higher prevalence in urban areas.
“People with under-treated asthma can suffer sleep disturbance, tiredness during the day and poor concentration,” WHO says.
“Asthma sufferers and their families may miss school and work, with financial impact on the family and wider community,” it adds.
The Global Health Agency notes that even though asthma can be a serious condition, it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
According to WHO, people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever) are at more risk of developing asthma.
Urbanisation, and events in early life which affect the development of lungs such as low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke and other sources of air pollution can increase the risk of asthma.
Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma, WHO warns.
In cases where symptoms are severe, asthma can lead to death especially where there is untimely access to emergency healthcare.
The most common treatment is to use an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs.
They are small, handheld devices that allow you to breathe medicine in through your mouth, directly to your lungs.
Inhalers can help control the disease and enable people with asthma to enjoy a normal, active life.
Inhalers are the safest, most effective treatment for asthma. They allow people with asthma to lead a normal, active life.
Early last year they were being sold at Sh250 a piece but currently, they are being sold for at least Sh500.
Online medical site Mayo Clinic warns that asthma often changes over time and advises that anyone with the condition should see a doctor regularly to discuss their symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments.
The site further warns against taking more medication than prescribed without consulting a medic noting that overusing asthma medication can cause side effects and may make the condition worse.
“Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from getting worse over time,” the site says.
Another online medical site, Cleveland Clinic says doctors can prescribe bronchodilators, medicines that help relax the muscles around the airways or anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways.