THE 2014 World Health Organisation (WHO) data states that asthma is among the top 20 causes of death in Zimbabwe.
According to the report, HIV and AIDS continues to be number one while prostate cancer sits at number three.
The report puts Zimbabwe on number 15 globally, with asthma-related deaths.
Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs.
People who suffer from this chronic condition (long-lasting or recurrent) are said to be asthmatic.
The inside walls of an asthmatic’s airways are swollen or inflamed.
This swelling or inflammation makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases your susceptibility to an allergic reaction.
As inflammation causes the airways to become narrower, less air can pass through them, both to and from the lungs.
Symptoms of the narrowing include wheezing (a hissing sound while breathing), chest tightness, breathing problems and coughing.
Asthmatics usually experience these symptoms most frequently during the night and the early morning.
And, there has been an increase in asthma attacks as the rains continue to fall.
Most hospitals around the country treat asthma as an emergency, depending on the intensity of the attack.
In an interview, a local doctor who requested anonymity for professional reasons said there are a number of factors that can trigger asthma attacks which can be seasonal.
“It is very important for asthma patients to be aware of the things that trigger their asthma and avoid them,” he said.
“Seeking medical attention at the early stages of an attack and following medical advice can lessen the effects of asthma.”
He added that common asthma triggers include animals, dust and changes in weather, chemicals in the air or food, exercise, mould, pollen, respiratory infections such as the common cold, strong emotions and tobacco smoke.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also provoke asthma in some patients, he said.
“In the case of schoolchildren, it is imperative for parents and guardians to notify the school authorities so that precautionary measures are taken to prevent asthma attacks,” he said.
“Early warning signs that may occur just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack include frequent coughing, especially at night; shortness of breath; feeling fatigued and irritable; feeling tired or weak when exercising, wheezing or coughing after exercise, signs of a cold or allergies and trouble sleeping among other signs.”
In an interview, cultural expert, sekuru Raymond Mazorodze said culturally, asthma, known as ‘befu’ in Shona, can be treated once and for all.
“Elephant dung is one of the many cures of asthma traditionally,” he said.
“This is so because elephants eat a lot of herbs which have curing properties.”
Others say catching a chameleon and putting it in mealie-meal overnight then using the mealie-meal to cook porridge will cure asthma completely.
However, medically, there is no cure for asthma.
The choice to go traditional or scientific depends solely on the individual.
Doctors say the best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma episodes when they occur.
According to webmed.com, asthma develops during childhood, but it can affect one at any age.
People who have allergies, a parent or close family member with asthma are more likely to have the condition.
More boys have asthma than girls, but it is more common in women than in men.
Several studies suggest that teens and adults who smoke are more likely to get asthma.
There is strong evidence that second-hand smoke plays a role as well.
Children who are around people who smoke have a higher chance of getting asthma early in life.
Outdoor and indoor air pollution can also worsen asthma symptoms.
Top offenders include smog, cigarette smoke, paint fumes and hair spray.
They do not cause an allergic reaction, but irritate airways.
They are known as non-allergic asthma triggers.
Although exercise is good, physical activity can trigger symptoms in many people.
This is sometimes called exercise-induced asthma.
However, controlled asthma allows for workouts, sports and other activities that one enjoys.