The symptoms of childhood asthma are similar across regions but may worsen due to environmental conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. Common symptoms include:

• Wheezing: A whistling sound when exhaling.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or at night.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest may be asthma.
• Frequent coughing: if your child wakes up coughing at night or gets out of breath while playing, these could be signs of asthma.

Triggers such as respiratory infections, cold air, and allergens (dust, pollen) can worsen symptoms, particularly in areas with poor air quality or high levels of pollution. Co-infections with diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia can also worsen asthma symptoms in sub-Saharan Africa.

Managing childhood asthma requires reducing exposure to asthma triggers, which can be particularly challenging in sub-Saharan Africa due to environmental and socio-economic factors. Some self-care strategies adapted to this region include:

• Improving Indoor Air Quality: Encourage the use of dehumidifiers in damp climates, or cleaner cooking technologies to reduce indoor air pollution from biomass fuels like firewood, coal pot, sawdust.
• Dust Control: Keeping the home clean and reducing dust accumulation is essential, especially in regions with high dust exposure.
• Pet Dander Management: Limit contact with pets that produce allergens if they are present in the household.
• Use of Air Conditioners: Where possible, air conditioning can help reduce pollen and control indoor air quality, though this may not be available in rural or low-income areas.
• Cold Air Exposure: In colder climates or high-altitude areas, breathing in cold, dry air can worsen asthma. Parents should help their children wear masks or scarves over their mouths in chilly weather.

In cases where asthma becomes severe, immediate medical attention is necessary. Signs of a medical emergency include:

• Persistent wheezing or coughing that does not improve with medication.

• Difficulty breathing that causes the chest or neck to visibly pull in during inhalation.

• Bluish lips or fingernails (a sign of insufficient oxygen).

• Trouble speaking or drinking due to breathlessness.

Due to the limited availability of medical resources in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, many children may not receive timely care. Increasing access to healthcare is crucial in reducing asthma-related complications.

Preventing childhood asthma involves avoiding known triggers and improving overall living conditions. In sub-Saharan Africa, prevention strategies should address:

• Reducing Exposure to Triggers: Improve both indoor and outdoor air quality by reducing exposure to pollutants and allergens. Encouraging cleaner cooking fuels and limiting exposure to smoke from burning biomass like firewood, coal and sawdust can make a significant impact.
• No Smoking Policies: Ensure that children are not exposed to tobacco smoke, as second-hand smoke is a major asthma trigger.
• Physical Activity: Encourage controlled physical activity, ensuring that asthma is managed through proper medication and environmental controls.
• Regular Healthcare Visits: Continuous monitoring and adjustments in medication by healthcare professionals are essential to keeping asthma symptoms under control. However, this may be limited by access to healthcare facilities.
• Maternal and Child Health: Good antenatal care, breastfeeding, and vaccinations can support better overall respiratory health and reduce the risk of developing asthma.