Society says superstition, illiteracy major challenges militating against treatment of Asthma

The Nigeria Thoracic Society (NTS), says superstitious beliefs, illiteracy and religious bigotry are some of the misconceptions militating against treatment of asthma in the country.

The Society said this in a statement signed by its President, Prof. Prince Ele, and Secretary, Dr Victor Umoh, which was made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

The executive spoke on the occasion of this year’s World Asthma Day with the theme; “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions’’.

According to the Society, the theme is apt as it’s a call to action to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma.

According to NTS, asthma is a chronic lungs 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 aims to address and bust 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, superstitious beliefs, high illiteracy rate, alternative medical practices as well as fringe religious zealots are some myths hindering the treatment of the disease.

“Some of the misconceptions includes beliefs that asthma is infectious, inflicted through witchcraft, asthma is a childhood disease and can only be cured through alternative medical intervention, and that people suffering from asthma should avoid exercising.’’

The society said such misinformation about asthma among patients and members of the public at large had impacted negatively on management outcomes.

According to NTS, correcting these misconceptions is the main trust of the theme of 2021 World Asthma Day.

The society said they were not unmindful of the current health 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.