Modupe Ajibawo, a consultant family physician at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, has highlighted the need to properly breastfeed infants to reduce the risk of allergic conditions like asthma.

Ms Ajibawo, in an interview in Lagos on Tuesday, said breast milk serves as immunity and protection for children against allergic conditions.

“Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes congestion and blockage of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

“Asthma, which can occur at any stage of life, usually begins in childhood and progresses,” the consultant said.

World Asthma Day is commemorated every second Tuesday in May, and the theme for this year is “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 250 million people globally are living with asthma, which is a significant global health burden.

“Asthma is an inflammatory condition that causes blockage, constriction, and swelling of the tissues around the airways, thereby limiting air flow, especially when breathing in and out.

“Breastfeeding is important, and one of the benefits is that it reduces the risk of having allergic issues due to the immunity and protection it gives to children,” she said.

Ms Ajibawo identified family history, air pollution, changes in weather, dust, perfume, and pollen season as risk factors that could trigger an asthma attack.

She advised asthma patients to avoid triggers known to them and seek proper care to help manage the condition.

Ms Ajibawo said, “Asthma is a progressive disease that can be managed, so it does not affect the lifestyle of individuals.

“It is rampant in urban areas than rural areas, but they are changing because rural life is also becoming urban.

“Patients should avoid what or places that can trigger an asthmatic attack, but when it is unavoidable, then it is expected to use prescribed treatment to prevent developing asthma or an attack,” she said.

(NAN)