Superstitious beliefs, illiteracy, others affect treatment of asthma

Akpan Umoh

The Nigeria Thoracic Society (NTS) has said that superstitious beliefs, illiteracy and religious bigotry were some of the misconceptions militating against treatment of Asthma in the country.

The society said this in a statement signed by its president, Professor Prince Ele, and Secretary, Dr Victor Umoh, in Uyo on Wednesday.

According to the society, the 2021 theme for World Asthma Day: “Uncovering asthma misconceptions,” provides a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions about asthma.

Ele said asthma is a chronic lung disease that has a long-lasting effect on an individual and causes difficulty in breathing due to the narrow airways in the body.

“This year’s theme: ‘Uncovering asthma misconceptions’, aims at addressing and busting widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma that hinders people suffering from the disease to enjoy life to the fullest.

“In spite of advancement in medical science, particularly in our environment awash with superstitions beliefs, high illiteracy rates, alternative medical practices as well as fringe religious zealots.

“Some of the misconceptions include belief that asthma is infectious, inflicted through witchcraft, asthma is a childhood disease; it can be cured through alternative medical intervention, and people suffering from asthma should avoid exercising,” the statement noted.

The society added that such misinformation about asthma among patients and the public at large have impacted negatively on management outcomes.

NTS stated that correcting the misconceptions is the main thrust of the theme of ‘2021 World Asthma Day’.

The society stated that they were not unmindful of the current serious health care and economic challenges the world was going through occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

They urged people with asthma to take precautions when any type of respiratory illness was spreading in the community.