“air pollution driving respiratory illnesses in Lagos, only 6% of Lagosians are aware of COPD “- Prof.Ozoh
Oredola Adeola
Professor Obianuju Ozoh, Consultant Pulmonologist, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and faculty member of the University of Lagos College of Medicine, has raised concerns over the growing burden of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Nigeria, revealing that more than 13 million Nigerians are affected, with the majority undiagnosed and poorly managed.
Ozoh made this known during a training on the management of asthma and COPD for nurses held in Lagos on Friday, which brought together over 100 nursing professionals.
She emphasised that COPD — which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis — remains one of the most under-recognised diseases in Nigeria despite being the third leading cause of death globally.
According to her, studies show that the prevalence of asthma and COPD in Nigeria is between nine and 10 per cent, yet over 50 per cent of affected individuals remain undiagnosed, while more than 90 per cent do not receive optimal care.
“A survey conducted in Lagos showed that only about six per cent of the population is aware of COPD. A disease that is not recognised cannot be diagnosed or treated,” the pulmonologist said.
Ozoh stressed the critical role of nurses in improving respiratory healthcare outcomes, noting that they are closest to patients and communities.
“We cannot significantly improve asthma and COPD care in Nigeria without educating nurses.
“They are key stakeholders in healthcare delivery and must be equipped to identify and manage these conditions within their scope of practice,” the global lung health advocate added.
Speaking on the challenges facing the management of respiratory diseases in the country, Prof. Ozo identified key factors such as poor awareness, inadequate diagnostic infrastructure, and limited access to essential medications.
“There is a lack of diagnostic tools such as peak flow meters and spirometers, especially at primary and secondary healthcare levels. These tools are mostly available only in tertiary institutions, and this must change,” she said.
The pulmonologist also pointed out that even when inhalers are available, they are often unaffordable for many patients.
“We need not just reliever inhalers, but controller medications which are now the recommended standard for asthma management. These must be made accessible and affordable, just like vaccines,” she noted.
Speaking on triggers of asthma, Ozoh explained that environmental and lifestyle factors such as air pollution, dust, stress, obesity, allergies, and even pregnancy can contribute to asthma attacks.
She added that extreme emotional states, whether positive or negative, can release hormones like adrenaline that may constrict the airways and trigger symptoms.
Ozoh noted that respiratory diseases are particularly prevalent in urban centres like Lagos due to poor air quality, driven by dust and other environmental pollutants.
“Many people do not realise they have these conditions until complications arise. This is why awareness and community education are critical,” the Consultant Pulmonologist, at LUTH said.
