A renowned Professor of Medicine at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, has raised concern over the often overlooked respiratory condition, asthma, describing it as a condition that keeps sufferers in what she termed a “breath in bondage,” where the simple act of breathing becomes a daily struggle on Tuesday 10th,March 2025 at the Buba Marwa Auditorium LASU Main Campus.
Delivering the 118th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University, Prof. Adeyeye described breath as the first act of life, the gasp that heralds a person’s entrance into the world and the final sign that marks life’s departure. She noted that for millions of people around the world, breathing is not effortless but a daily battle fought with every inhalation and exhalation.
According to her, bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory illness that keeps breath in bondage. She said the disease is greatly misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and sadly under-prioritized within many healthcare systems, calling for urgent action from all stakeholders.
Prof. Adeyeye explained that the respiratory system is foundational to human life. She illustrated its importance with the biblical reference in Genesis 2:7, noting that the human respiratory system is a well-organized network of structures that sustains life through gas exchange. Although this process occurs silently and automatically, she said its failure brings severe distress.
Speaking on the global burden of respiratory diseases, she stated that asthma is one of the five major respiratory diseases worldwide and a significant contributor to non-communicable respiratory illnesses.
The others, she said, include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
She explained that the phrase “Breath in Bondage” captures the lived experience of asthma sufferers breathlessness, chest tightness, and the intense struggle to breathe that can make patients feel restrained or suffocated as they fight for each breath.
Prof. Adeyeye noted that asthma can affect anyone at any age.
However, it is more common among male children before puberty, while it becomes more prevalent among females after puberty. She listed common symptoms of asthma to include wheezing (a whistling sound from the chest), breathlessness or difficulty breathing that can begin suddenly, chest tightness or pain, and persistent cough, which is often worse at night or early in the morning.
She further observed that the burden of asthma in Nigeria remains largely hidden in the quiet suffering of many undiagnosed individuals, while those diagnosed often live with significant comorbidities that require medical management.
Prof. Adeyeye therefore recommended that government and policy makers integrate asthma care into the national strategy for non-communicable diseases. She also advocated that essential asthma medications, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, should not only be listed in national drug formularies but also subsidized and made readily accessible to patients.
In addition, she called for the establishment of school-based asthma programmes, including screening for asthma during school enrolment, training teachers and caregivers in asthma emergency preparedness, implementing asthma action plans, promoting asthma-friendly school policies, and educating students to prevent stigmatization.
Speaking at the event, former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, emphasized the need for more research and innovative solutions for asthma, noting that government must play a stronger role in supporting health research and providing resources for conditions such as asthma.
Also speaking, former Senator and medical doctor, Senator Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, described asthma as a very common respiratory condition affecting people of all ages, from children to the elderly. He noted that the disease is treatable through proper medication and by identifying and avoiding trigger factors.
Dignitaries at the inaugural lecture included the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Hamzat; former Senator Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora; former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru; the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; traditional rulers, professors, and other stakeholders in the health sector.
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