I am a young woman who unfortunately has asthma. Over the last few years I have realised that too many of our children (including my little brother) have this frightening disease. While most children grow out of it as they get older, some don't and while they have it their life is at risk as attacks can be fatal if not treated in time. I wonder if there are any statistics to show the percentage of children in T&T who have asthma as compared to other countries worldwide. If our percentage is above normal to the rest of the globe has any research been done to discover why so many of our young children have over-active immune systems and get asthma attacks?
The triggers for an attack are well know but why are so many of our children being born with asthma or acquire it while young? Is it hereditary? Is it in our diet? Is it something in the water or in the air? Are the causes psychological, or spiritual maybe? I hope these questions are not considered stupid because I think everyone who has asthma and every parent of asthmatic children would like to know the answers.
Apart from research, maybe the Government can also consider giving free nebulisers to every home that has an asthmatic child, something like the laptop programme for successful SEA students. It would be a noble, humane and loving gesture. In closing, may God bless the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and all doctors and nurses and healthcare workers who, in my opinion, are unappreciated and overly maligned.
Sofia Kavita Jaipaul
Iere Village, Princes Town