How asthma is affecting Africa
What in the World
Deep Dive
Why does Africa have such high rates of asthma?
Africa's high asthma rates are driven by urbanization, air pollution, and poor air quality. Cities are growing rapidly, leading to increased exposure to pollutants from vehicles, construction, and industrial activities. Additionally, climate change and poor diets, particularly those high in refined grains and low in fruits and vegetables, may contribute to the rising asthma cases.
How many people in Africa are estimated to suffer from asthma?
A 2013 study estimated that around 119 million people in Africa suffer from asthma, which is nearly half of the global asthma population according to WHO figures.
What challenges do asthma patients in Africa face in getting diagnosed?
Many asthma cases in Africa go undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, cultural attitudes that dismiss symptoms, and limited access to formal diagnostic tests. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, as many families cannot afford medical care, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
What did a recent study reveal about asthma among African teenagers?
A study conducted between 2018 and 2021 found that one in nine teenagers in six African countries had asthma symptoms, but only a fraction of them had been formally diagnosed. This highlights a significant gap in diagnosis and treatment.
How does air pollution in Lagos contribute to asthma?
Lagos suffers from poor air quality due to dust, clogged drainages, and industrial activities. These factors exacerbate respiratory issues, including asthma, leading to complaints of chest pain, severe coughs, and other lung-related problems.
Why is asthma in Africa described as a 'silent epidemic'?
Asthma in Africa is called a 'silent epidemic' because its symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed, and many cases go undiagnosed. Unlike diseases with visible symptoms, asthma can remain hidden until a severe attack occurs, making it a growing but underrecognized health crisis.
Which African cities have the highest asthma rates?
Cities like Durban in South Africa, which is highly urbanized, have the highest asthma rates. In contrast, less developed cities like Blantyre in Malawi report lower rates, suggesting a link between urbanization and asthma prevalence.
What role does climate change play in asthma rates in Africa?
While the direct impact of climate change on asthma is still debated, experts believe that increased dust and pollution due to changing weather patterns may worsen asthma symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand this connection.
- Almost half of the world's asthma sufferers are in Africa.
- A study found that many teenagers in Africa have undiagnosed asthma.
- Underreporting, lack of proper diagnosis, and socioeconomic factors contribute to the high number of undiagnosed cases.
- The situation is described as a 'silent epidemic'.
Shownotes Transcript