The pattern of bronchial asthma in benin in the equatorial forest zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper describes a prospective study of 78 Nigerian patients with asthma from the equatorial forest zone of Nigeria. The work extended over 3 years, the patients attending a special asthma clinic for investigation and management. The acute asthmatic disease was fairly severe but permanent respiratory crippling and chronic bronchitis appeared relatively uncommon, possibly because of a low prevalence of cigarette smoking and minimal atmospheric pollution. Most factors precipitating attacks were apparently nonallergic. The house mite appeared the most common allergic factor by skin testing. Problems of treatment are discussed and comparisons made with other accounts from Africa and the UK.