NTS recommends preventive medicine for asthmatic patients

The Nigerian Thoracic Society (NTS) has urged Nigerians to adopt preventive medications at stage of asthma to avoid complications of the sickness as it persists.

In a statement issued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital on Monday, to mark the World Asthma Day, the President of Nigerian Thoracic Society, Prof. Ele, said the aim of the group is to create awareness about the disease and how it afflicts patients.

“As a chronic lung disease which causes breathing difficulties and afflict patients at various degrees, asthma is caused by inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, which is sometimes in reaction to exercise, stress, or changes in temperature,” Ele disclosed.

He said the disease is not curable, but can be adequately controlled to allow the patients lead a virtually normal life.

Prof. Ele maintained that asthma is controlled by preventive medicine for chronic symptoms and relief medication for flare-up symptoms, adding that education and understanding were key to its effective control which could be fatal if not managed properly.

He explained that the struggles of people suffering from asthma are recognized on the World Asthma Day which is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of May, to educate and raise awareness of the condition in the hope of relieving the suffering of patients and reducing death.

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He observed that the theme for this year’s event: ‘’Enough asthma death” is very apt, especially with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the light of this global pandemic which is also primarily a respiratory disorder, we have opted to have a low key observation of this event with a press statement.

“We therefore, salute all the health care workers and scientists that are working tirelessly to bring about a solution to the dreaded COVID-19 scourge, and to encourage asthma patients to continue to take their medications regularly to avoid triggers.

“We equally, urge them to also observe social distancing and proper cough etiquette as well as wearing of face masks when outdoors,’’ he said.