World Asthma Day marked at KNH

By Linnette Leyi

Did you know that cockroaches can worsen asthma symptoms in some people? Cockroach droppings, saliva, and decomposing bodies have proteins that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

This was revealed to staff and members of the public who attended the World Asthma Day celebrations at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Information Center grounds on 2nd May, 2023.

The event themed “Asthma Care for All” which was held in collaboration with Cipla Kenya and National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NTLD-P) aimed to raise awareness on the health condition and its treatment.

Members of the public undergoing screening under the guidance of KNH staff

PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA

Asthma is a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow, swell and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. It can be mild or severe, thus interfering with daily activities. In some cases, it may lead to a lifethreatening attack.

Asthma affects a sizeable portion of the Kenyan population so far at 17-18 percent, with more of the affected patients in urban than rural areas. KNH handles severe cases of asthma which account to 5-12% of the entire asthma population. Clinic 17 caters to these patients.

“Asthma is an often a misunderstood disease clouded by many myths and misconceptions. KNH wants to develop targeted messages to correct this misinformation which affects patients’ ability and will to seek treatment,” said Dr. Juliana Muiva-Ag. Director Medical Services, before officially opening the event.

Dr. Juliana Muiva-Ag. Director Medical Services giving her remarks during the event

PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA

“Many people do not know that you can acquire asthma at any age,” continued Dr. Muiva. “We advise our patients to visit the Asthma Clinic which is open every day of the week. In case of emergencies during the weekend or public holidays, please feel free to visit the Accident and Emergency section.”

KNH is and continues playing its flagship role in forging forward care and research in the care of the disease, not only in Kenya but also the larger East Africa. It also conducts research in asthma care as part of fulfilling its core mandate in being a research center. The findings of a recent research dubbed the African Severe Asthma Study have informed asthma care hence improving treatment outcomes.

“The clinic has been able to reduce the number of severe asthmatics treated daily from 40 to 20,” she added during her speech.

The role of the nurse in asthma care and management was also highlighted, with requests to train more nurses in asthma care. Chief Nurse Mr. Peter Mwiti urged patients to be consistent with treatment and clinic visits, even when they do not feel unwell. He also urged people to be

In the spirit of bridging the gap of underdiagnosis and undertreatment, members of the public received free lung screening and health education.

MAIN PHOTO | STEVEN ARWA Members of staff and partners engaging in the processional walk