Call for improved access to essential asthma medication

Health experts are raising concerns about gaps in treatment across South Africa as World Asthma Day on May 5 approaches, particularly in cities like Pretoria.

This year’s theme highlights a critical issue: access to the right medication.

World Asthma Day is recognised to educate the public about asthma and promote better management of it.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, characterised by swelling and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, often accompanied by excess mucus production.

This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

The condition develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, respiratory infections, air pollution, cold weather, and even physical activity.

Dr Keeleditswe More, a Pretoria health expert, said there is currently no cure for asthma.

“With proper treatment and management, many people are able to live full, active lives. Treatment typically depends on how severe the condition is and how well it is controlled,” she added

According to her, treatment is based on severity and control of the asthma.

More said the treatment includes inhalers, which are categorised into controllers taken twice a day to keep asthma under control, and long-term relievers used during an asthma attack to quickly open the airways and ease breathing.

“Avoiding triggers such as smoke, dust, and strong odours is also a key part of managing the condition,” she added.

More mentioned that, as much as small children with asthma also require controllers and relievers, they cannot use inhalers properly, so they require a spacer.

“A spacer is a chamber that contains medicine so that the child can breathe it in slowly to help deliver it more efficiently and properly,” she said.

The National Asthma Education Programme (NAEP), in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Asthma, has warned that many South Africans are not receiving the life-saving treatment they need.

According to Dr Pieter de Waal, Chairperson of NAEP, thousands of patients rely too heavily on quick-relief inhalers instead of using preventative medication that controls the disease over time.

Data from NAEP revealed that only 17% of South Africans with asthma use recommended anti-inflammatory inhalers, known as inhaled corticosteroids.

Meanwhile, more than 80% depend primarily on short-acting relievers, an approach that significantly increases the risk of repeated asthma attacks, emergency visits, and hospitalisation.

Residents are urged to seek medical advice if they find themselves using a reliever inhaler more than twice a week, as this may indicate poor asthma control. Experts emphasise that access to anti-inflammatory inhalers is not a luxury, but a life-saving necessity.

As someone living with asthma, Tiyani Tshuketana, said it has been a constant balancing act in his life.

“There are days when I feel completely normal and then there are moments when something as simple as cold air, dust or physical activity can make breathing difficult. It has taught me to be very aware of my environment and to always be prepared,” he said.

Tshuketana said asthma is invisible to many people. “But for those of us living with it, it’s a daily reality.”

He said awareness is important “because it helps others understand that even though we may look fine, we are constantly managing our health behind closed doors”.

With greater awareness, improved access to treatment, and proper management, the impact of asthma can be significantly reduced.

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