A chest physician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Dr Olumide Sogaolu, has called for improved nationwide access to modern asthma inhalers, warning that preventable deaths continue to occur due to outdated treatment practices.

Dr Sogaolu made this known on Tuesday during activities marking World Asthma Day 2026 at the University of Ibadan, organised by the Pulmonary Unit of UCH in collaboration with the University Health Services, Jaja Clinic.

The event began with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, and featured free asthma screening, a health awareness walk, and educational talks on early detection and proper management across student halls of residence.

According to Dr Sogaolu, asthma remains widely misunderstood in Nigeria, with many patients still relying on single-reliever inhalers such as salbutamol (Ventolin) or oral medications that do not address the underlying airway inflammation.

“Nobody needs to die from asthma. With proper treatment and education, people living with asthma can lead normal lives without missing school, work, or physical activities,” he said.

He explained that global best practice now recommends combination inhalers that contain both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory component, rather than reliance on reliever-only therapy.

“For more than a decade, no patient should be placed on Ventolin alone. It only relieves symptoms but does not treat the root cause,” he said.

Dr Sogaolu also cautioned against the widespread use of asthma tablets, noting that they circulate through the entire body and may cause side effects, including abnormal heart rhythms, while being less effective than inhaled therapy.

He attributed ongoing asthma complications in Nigeria to poor access to medications, affordability challenges, and limited public awareness. He also stressed the importance of education on asthma triggers such as dust, smoke, fumes, weather changes and air pollution, as well as correct inhaler technique.

According to him, young people play a key role in spreading awareness within families and communities, making them a priority group for targeted education campaigns.

Dr Sogaolu called on government agencies, healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure that combination inhalers are made more available, affordable and accessible nationwide.

“Asthma is a manageable condition. No one should suffer or die because they cannot access the right treatment,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, welcomed the awareness campaign, describing it as timely and important, while acknowledging widespread misconceptions about asthma treatment.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting asthma advocacy and improving healthcare delivery on campus, describing such efforts as vital to saving lives.

“Like many people, I used to think that once you have Ventolin, you are secure. But now we understand that it only provides partial relief and does not address the full problem,” he said.

Adebowale also called for stronger public education and practical interventions, including identifying individuals living with asthma within the university community for targeted support.

“Moving around the campus will help deepen awareness and ensure that more people are informed,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)

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