About 2,000 people die from asthma annually in Ghana – Expert

Dr Teddy Totimeh, a consultant neurosurgeon, has disclosed that asthma is responsible for an estimated 2,000 deaths annually in Ghana.

He warned that the disease remains a growing public health concern, with persistent gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to treatment.

Dr Totimeh made the remarks on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 7, 2026, according to asaaseradio.com.

He explained that asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it difficult for air to pass through effectively.

“If you look at the lungs as a network of tubes that allow air to pass through, asthma is when those tubes are unable to open properly. That prevents oxygen from reaching the body effectively,” Dr Totimeh explained.

He noted that asthma is increasingly becoming a global health challenge, describing it as approaching “pandemic” levels and affecting both high- and low-income countries.

In Ghana alone, he said, "asthma is responsible for an estimated 2,000 deaths each year, affecting both children and adults".

Dr Totimeh attributed the rise in cases to a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposure, particularly air pollution, dust, and allergens.

In Ghana, dust mites commonly found in household environments were identified as a major trigger.

He explained that asthma severity varies widely depending on how strongly an individual’s immune system reacts to triggers.

While some people experience mild symptoms, others suffer severe and potentially life-threatening attacks.

The neurosurgeon added that asthma often runs in families but can also develop later in life due to long-term exposure to environmental irritants.

Dr Totimeh cautioned that asthma can develop in adulthood even in individuals with no childhood history of the condition.

He said many cases go undiagnosed because symptoms are often mistaken for minor illnesses.

He highlighted early warning signs such as persistent wheezing, night-time coughing, seasonal breathing difficulties, and chest tightness or shortness of breath.

He explained that asthma symptoms are often more severe at night or early morning due to prolonged exposure to the same environment during sleep.

“You are lying in one place for hours, exposed to the same irritants. By morning, the effects build up and trigger an attack,” he said.

Seasonal changes, particularly between dry and rainy periods, can also worsen symptoms due to increased allergens in the air.

Dr Totimeh dismissed common misconceptions about asthma inhalers, stressing that they are neither addictive nor harmful.

He described inhalers as a major advancement in treatment, as they deliver medication directly to the lungs for faster and more effective relief.

“Inhalers have revolutionised asthma care. They send medication straight to the source of the problem,” he said.

However, he raised concern that access remains limited in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries, estimating that fewer than 10% of patients who need inhalers actually receive them.

He added that misinformation continues to discourage their use, worsening health outcomes.

Dr Totimeh stressed that asthma is a manageable condition when properly diagnosed and treated.

He called for stronger primary healthcare screening, improved access to inhalers, greater public education, and expanded specialist care, including pulmonologists.

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“It is not a death sentence. If we identify it early and manage it properly, people can live full lives,” he said.

The neurosurgeon also recommended regular physical activity, reducing exposure to dust and smoke, maintaining clean indoor environments, and seeking early medical care when symptoms appear.

He emphasised that effective asthma control depends on awareness, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment.

“The difference between fear and control comes down to awareness, diagnosis and consistent care,” he added.

Dr Totimeh said asthma is highly manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment and called for stronger primary healthcare screening, improved access to to inhalers, greater public awareness and expanded specialist care, including pulmonologists to improve health outcomes.

JKB/VPO

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