Teaching Corner: Adult Asthma in Malawi

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide. It is often considered to be benign and is therefore under-diagnosed and under-treated. In fact asthma can be a very serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Most of the deaths are in patients over the age of 45 and many deaths could have been prevented with prompt medical treatment and good long term care¹. The exact incidence of asthma in Malawi is unknown but it is a common clinical diagnosis. Recognising and treating asthma appropriately will save lives.