The prevalence of severe cases of asthma in Kericho County decreased from 15,380 in 2020 to 11,119 in 2023, translating to 27.7 percent.
The decrease could be attributed to measures put in place to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
According to the clinician in charge of non-communicable diseases in Kericho County, Stanley Kemboi, reduced air pollution due to lockdowns and restrictions implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the year 2020 reduced industrial activities, vehicular traffic, and other sources of air pollution, which led to cleaner air, resulting in improved respiratory health for individuals with asthma.
Kemboi further said increased hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to a decrease in respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations due to reduced exposure to respiratory viruses and allergens, therefore improving asthma control.
Speaking to the KNA as the world marked Asthma Day, the clinician disclosed that most Asthma cases were observed in Ainamoi, Bureti, and Belgut sub-counties, respectively.
He said his department was keen to raise awareness among individuals with asthma and their families to enhance their understanding of this complex condition, noting that Asthma is a diverse disease marked by persistent inflammation of the airways, manifesting in recurring symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
“These symptoms fluctuate in frequency and severity over time, often accompanied by unpredictable airflow restriction during exhalation. Sensitising affected individuals and their loved ones to these nuances is crucial for effective management and improved quality of life,” added Kemboi.
The clinician remarked that uncontrolled asthma has major consequences for people living with the disease, their families and communities, healthcare systems, and national economies.
He pointed out that common triggers of Asthma include smoke, fumes, viral infections, pollen, changes in the weather, animal fur and feathers, and strong fragrances.
“Know what affects you and try to avoid it if possible. If not possible, make sure you have your reliever inhaler readily available,” said Kemboi.
The clinician also mentioned several treatments available for Asthma including the use of an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs, controlling the disease, thus enabling people with asthma to enjoy a normal and active life.
“The two main types of inhalers include bronchodilators, which open the air passages and relieve symptoms; and steroids, which reduce inflammation in the air passages, which improves asthma symptoms and reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks and death,” he disclosed.
According to the World Health Organization, several factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing asthma, if other family members also have asthma and people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever).
Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma. These include low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke and other sources of air pollution, as well as viral respiratory infections and exposure to a range of environmental allergens and irritants.
In celebration of World Asthma Day 2024, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has selected the theme “Asthma Education Empowers,” emphasising the need to empower people with asthma with the appropriate education to manage the disease and to recognise when to seek medical help.
According to GINA, Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases that affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450,000 deaths each year worldwide, most of which are preventable.
By Kibe Mburu and Sharon Chepwogen
