Asthma is a pervasive issue among adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, recent research offers a glimmer of hope. The study titled Decreased prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria, 1995–2018 presents valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their therapeutic approaches.
The study, conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria, involved 2,897 adolescents from 23 secondary schools. The findings revealed a significant decline in asthma symptoms over the past two decades. The prevalence of current wheeze fell by 1.4% per decade from 2002 to 2018. Similarly, there was a noticeable reduction in severe asthma symptoms and night cough.
Here are some key takeaways from the study:
- Current Wheeze: The prevalence fell by 1.4% per decade.
- Severe Asthma Symptoms: A reduction in severity was observed.
- Night Cough: A noticeable decrease in prevalence.
Despite these positive trends, the study also highlighted ongoing challenges. Access to affordable and effective asthma treatments remains limited. Only 36% of symptomatic adolescents purchased and used salbutamol, and 43% used prednisolone. Less than one-fifth had access to leukotriene receptor antagonists, and only about 10% could access inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and ICS-long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) medications.
For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of advocating for better access to essential asthma medications. Here are some steps you can take:
- Educate: Inform patients and their families about the importance of using prescribed asthma medications regularly.
- Advocate: Work with local health authorities to improve the availability and affordability of essential asthma treatments.
- Research: Continue to engage in research to identify effective strategies for managing asthma in resource-limited settings.
Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the burden of asthma and improve outcomes for adolescents. The findings from this study are a call to action for practitioners to prioritize asthma management and ensure that all patients have access to the medications they need.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Decreased prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria, 1995–2018.
