The Directorate of Students' Affairs (DoSA) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), in collaboration with the University Health Services, has organised an online webinar to educate students about bronchial asthma.
The webinar, held to mark World Chronic Disease Day under the theme "Don't Fight Alone," formed part of the directorate's ongoing efforts, together with the University Health Services, to raise awareness of health conditions affecting students and connect them with appropriate support and care.
Dr. Elizabeth Oppong-Kyekyeku, Head of the Student Clinic and a Family Medicine Resident, was the guest speaker.
Dr. Oppong-Kyekyeku said the Student Clinic records a high number of asthma cases during the rainy season.
"From April, May, June to July, we are having a lot of asthma cases," she said. "In a day we can get about 10 students coming in with difficulty in breathing."
She said cold weather is a major trigger, while other factors include dust, pollen, pet hair, smoking, strong odours, exercise, stress and infections such as influenza and COVID-19.
What Asthma Does to the Body
Dr. Oppong-Kyekyeku explained that asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In people living with asthma, these airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult.
She said the condition can be inherited.
"If your mother has it or your siblings, or your grandparents or your father has it... you have a higher probability of getting bronchial asthma," she said.
She added, however, that people with no family history can also develop the condition.
Warning on "Silent Chest"
Dr. Oppong-Kyekyeku said the most dangerous stage of an asthma attack is known as a "silent chest," which occurs when the airways become so severely blocked that little or no air moves through the lungs.
"That means it's very, very serious," she said.
She explained that a person in this state may lose consciousness and requires immediate medical attention.
Advice to Students
She urged students living with asthma to carry their inhalers at all times and to use their prescribed medication consistently rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
"Don't wait to be breathless before you are rushed to the student clinic," she said.
She stressed that inhalers should not remain unused until an emergency occurs.
Dr. Oppong-Kyekyeku also advised against relying on salbutamol tablets.
"We don't use salbutamol tablets anymore," she said, explaining that inhaled or nebulised forms are now the recommended treatment.
Responding to a question on sickle cell disease, she said people living with sickle cell disease can also have asthma and often experience more severe attacks.
"An asthmatic attack in a person without sickle cell compared to someone living with sickle cell... is more fatal," she said.
Support Available on Campus
Dr. Oppong-Kyekyeku said the University Health Services operates a dedicated asthma clinic for students every Thursday, in addition to the main hospital's Monday asthma clinic, providing regular access to specialised care.
"Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition," she said, "but with the right care, you can live a healthy, active life."
The Directorate of Students' Affairs and the University Health Services said they will continue to organise webinars on chronic diseases to keep students informed and supported throughout the academic year.
