Accra: 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.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Totimeh made the remarks on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He explained that asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it difficult for air to pass through effectively. Dr Totimeh described asthma as when the airways, or "tubes," in the lungs are unable to open properly, preventing oxygen from reaching the body effectively.
He noted that asthma is increasingly becoming a global health challenge, approaching 'pandemic' levels and affecting both high- and low-income countries. In Ghana alone, asthma affects both children and adults and is responsible for approximately 2,000 deaths each year.
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. The severity of asthma varies widely depending on how strongly an individual's immune system reacts to these triggers, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others suffering severe, 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. Many cases go undiagnosed because symptoms are often mistaken for minor illnesses. Early warning signs include persistent wheezing, night-time coughing, seasonal breathing difficulties, and chest tightness or shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms are often more severe at night or early morning due to prolonged exposure to the same environment during sleep.
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. However, access remains limited in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries, with fewer than 10% of patients who need inhalers actually receiving them. 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. He noted that asthma is not a death sentence and that early identification and proper management can allow people to live full lives. Regular physical activity, reducing exposure to dust and smoke, maintaining clean indoor environments, and seeking early medical care when symptoms appear are recommended for effective asthma control.