Respiratory Experts Raise Alarm Over Rising Asthma Burden Among Urban Children in Kenya
By Jacquelyne Arusei | NAIROBI,
Respiratory experts are raising concern over the growing burden of asthma in Kenya, particularly among children living in urban areas, as cases continue to rise due to pollution and lifestyle changes.
The Kenya Asthma Management Guidelines estimate that about 7.5 per cent of Kenyans — approximately four million people — are living with asthma, with numbers steadily increasing in towns and cities. Health experts attribute the trend to factors such as air pollution, dust exposure, and changing lifestyles.
According to the World Health Organisation, asthma causes nearly 2,300 deaths in Kenya every year, despite the condition being largely manageable with proper treatment and early diagnosis.
Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr. Justus Simba said many of the deaths are linked to poor disease management, delayed treatment, and low awareness among parents and caregivers.
“Asthma can be controlled, and children with asthma can live full, active lives. But the first step is recognising it early,” said Dr. Simba.
He urged parents to watch out for symptoms such as frequent coughing, especially at night, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. According to the specialist, these symptoms may appear and disappear and are often triggered by dust, cold air, or exercise.
“The challenge we face is poor control, delayed treatment, and gaps in awareness,” he added.
Health experts are now calling for increased public awareness campaigns, improved access to treatment, and stronger efforts to reduce environmental pollution in urban areas to help curb the growing asthma burden in the country.
