Asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes airway swelling in the lungs, affecting both children and adults, has been revealed to be non-contagious by Dr. (Mrs.) Sandra Kwarteng Owusu, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Child Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a Paediatric Pulmonologist Consultant.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sandra Kwarteng Owusu has identified a significant misconception regarding Asthma - that it is contagious - attributing this misconception to a lack of appropriate information and basic training for parents and guardians of children with Asthma. She addressed this issue during an educational programme organised for parents of children with Asthma in the Kumasi Metropolis, part of the activities commemorating this year’s World Asthma Day, themed “Asthma Education Empowers.” The training programme was a collaborative effort between the Department of Child Health at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, KNUST, the Paediatric Society of Ghana (Ashanti Region), and the Directorate of Child Health at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
![Dr. (Mrs.) Sandra Kwarteng Owusu](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dr.%20%28Mrs.%29%20Sandra%20Kwarteng%20Owusu_0.jpg)
According to Dr. (Mrs.) Owusu, Asthma is a non-communicable disease caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include laboured breathing, frequent coughing, wheezing, allergies, chest pain, sleep problems, and fatigue. “Asthma is a long-term disease located in the breathing tubes but does not transmit from person to person. Not every cough or wheeze is asthma,” she clarified. She further noted that while there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be managed and monitored through regular medication. She urged parents to diligently monitor their children’s medication intake.
Dr. (Mrs.) Owusu also expressed concern about the rising cost of Asthma medications for children, particularly in Africa. She revealed that her team is working on a proposal to the World Health Organization (WHO) to regulate the prices of Asthma medications to enhance Asthma care.
During the meeting, the parents were encouraged to adhere to the scheduled doctor's appointment dates and inform medical staff of any necessary change of schedule. They were also implored to allow their children to participate in sporting or physical activities in school. The medical staff who provided training to the parents included Dr. Kessiwa Gyan Kesse; Dr. Akua Senya; Dr. Caroline Twum; Dr. Joyce Ashong; Dr. Emmanuel Oppong; Principal Nursing Officer Eugenia; and Drs Prempeh and Tiwaah.
The parents were divided into smaller groups to interact with the Doctors and experts on topics such as Childhood Asthma; Home management of Asthma exacerbation; How to use devices in Asthma management; How to use an Asthma action plan; and how to use a peak flow device.
The educational programme exposed parents of children with Asthma to the basic training they need to improve their children’s healthcare. A certificate of participation was awarded to the parents upon completion of the topics and training.