An Abuja-based Public Health Physician, Dr Gabriel Adakole, has highlighted air pollution, hot weather and pollen as significant triggers of asthma attacks, shedding light on the intricate relationship between environmental factors and respiratory health.
Adakole made the assertion in an interview on Tuesday, May 7, in Abuja, on the occasion of 2024 World Asthma Day (WAD).
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has chosen “Asthma Education Empowers” as theme of World Asthma Day 2024.
The theme underscores the importance of equipping individuals with asthma with the necessary knowledge to manage their condition and recognise when to seek medical assistance.
Adakole said that asthma, characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, affects millions of people globally, with symptoms ranging from wheezing and shortness of breath to coughing and chest tightness.
While genetics play a role in asthma development, he said that environmental factors could worsen symptoms and trigger attacks.
According to him, studies have shown that air pollution, including particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, can irritate the airways and worsen asthma symptoms, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels.
“Fine particulate matter from vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering inflammation and exacerbating respiratory conditions,” he said.
Additionally, he said that hot weather had been identified as a significant trigger for asthma attacks, as rising temperatures lead to increased airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
“High temperatures can also exacerbate air pollution levels, further aggravating respiratory symptoms,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that pollen, a common allergen released by trees, grasses, and weeds, can trigger allergic reactions in people with asthma, leading to airway inflammation and symptom exacerbation, especially during peak pollen seasons in spring and fall.
He said that understanding and mitigating environmental triggers for asthma were crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
“Healthcare providers can educate patients on managing asthma symptoms and reducing exposure to environmental triggers, such as staying indoors during high pollution or pollen counts, using air purifiers, and adhering to prescribed asthma medications and management plans,” he said.
He said that comprehensive public health strategies addressing air pollution, climate change, and pollen management were essential to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
“As policymakers and public health officials work to address the root causes of air pollution and climate change, efforts to raise awareness about asthma triggers and empower patients to manage their respiratory health are vital in mitigating the burden of asthma on individuals and society,” he said.
The first World Asthma Day, in 1998, was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain.
Participation has increased with each World Asthma Day held since then, and the day has become one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education events.
By Abujah Racheal
