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Chapter 71 - Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease, Bronchiectasis and HIV Lung Disease

from Section 10 - Non-communicable Diseases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 June 2025

By
Refiloe Masekela ,
Kevin Mortimer ,
Rebecca Nantanda ,
Brian Allwood ,
Duncan G. Fullerton ,
Stephen B. Gordon  and
Jeremiah Chakaya
Edited by
David Mabey ,
Martin W. Weber ,
Moffat Nyirenda ,
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu ,
Jackson Orem ,
Laura Benjamin ,
Michael Marks  and
Nicholas A. Feasey
David Mabey
Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Martin W. Weber
Affiliation:
World Health Organization
Moffat Nyirenda
Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
Affiliation:
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Jackson Orem
Affiliation:
Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala
Laura Benjamin
Affiliation:
University College London
Michael Marks
Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Nicholas A. Feasey
Affiliation:
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
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Summary

Asthma is one of the commonest non-communicable diseases. The cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are implicated. Asthma is characterized by episodic wheezing, coughing and breathlessness, reflecting airway inflammation and intermittent reversible airflow obstruction. It is seen worldwide but at a higher prevalence in more affluent settings. Although generally treatable with regular inhaled corticosteroids and as-needed bronchodilator (reliever) inhalers, people with asthma suffer considerable morbidity and deaths continue to occur when treatment is not taken properly or is unavailable.

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Principles of Medicine in Africa , pp. 679 - 697
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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