My Asthma Journey: Finding Relief Beyond Hospitals

By Mama Asnnah Ahoussi

Hi, I’m Mama Asnnah, and I want to share my personal experience with asthma. When I was just six years old, my life took an unexpected turn when my father discovered I had asthma. My parents did everything they could to help me, purchasing all the necessary medical products, including inhalers and medications like Haber medicines. They even had me try drinking and bathing in remedies, hoping for relief, but unfortunately, my condition remained unchanged.

Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition, in which the airways may unexpectedly and suddenly narrow, often in in response to an allergen , cold air, exercise,  or emotional stress. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

In Africa, asthma is one of many neglected diseases and its prevalence is estimated with an average of 12% and national estimates ranging from 2% to 53% among individuals of age ranging from <2 to 64 years. The WHO estimates an asthma country incidence rate of 1.5/1000 per year for Ghana.

The prevalence of asthma is increasing globally affecting approximately 339 million people although asthma can affect individually of any age, is more common in children than adults.

The cause of asthma is not fully understood but it is believed to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

With me, it used to occur unpredictably, usually happening when I inhaled smoke or strong perfumes and dust.  Anytime it happened, I felt my world was coming to an end.

One fateful day in Teshie in Ghana when I was 16 years old, I had a severe asthma attack, and my inhaler ran out just when I needed it the most. I felt an excruciating pain in my chest, and I cried out for oxygen. My Aunt Florence rushed me to the hospital, where I was made to lay down, gasping for air.

As I wept in agony, a kind-hearted man witnessed my suffering and couldn’t stand by in silence. He approached my aunt and I and said, “This is not just a hospital matter; you need some garlic to relieve her pain.” He urged my aunt to add some honey as well, which he swore could help reduce future attacks.

Thankfully, my aunt followed his advice, and the garlic provided me with much-needed relief.

Since that day, I haven’t had

to visit the hospital for asthma treatment. I’ve made it a habit to regularly consume garlic and honey, and it has remarkably kept my asthma symptoms at bay. It’s incredible how such a simple remedy has made a world of difference in managing my asthma.

These days, I hardly experience any attack as a result of me taking honey and garlic regularly.  I chew the garlic and drink honey.  Sometimes I substituted garlic to honey; but it all serves the same purpose.

I want to share this advice with fellow asthma patients: avoid inhaling smoke, sprays, and dust, as they can worsen your condition by restricting your breathing and increasing your need for oxygen. Always have an inhaler on hand, but don’t underestimate the power of natural remedies like garlic and honey.

You might be wondering, “What do I mean by inhaler?” An inhaler is like a portable source of oxygen, providing quick relief when you’re in the midst of an asthma attack. It’s a crucial tool for managing asthma symptoms and ensuring your safety.

So remember, asthma doesn’t have to control your life. There are simple, natural remedies that can make a significant difference. Stay vigilant, keep your inhaler handy, and consider adding garlic and honey to your routine – it might just change your life as it did mine.