The number of people presenting asthmatic conditions in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya is steadily rising.

Most cases of asthmatic conditions according to doctors are reported mainly in urban and semi-urban centres.

The doctors at the Uganda Thoracic Society says that today, for instance, Mulago hospital’s Acute Care Unit receives over 10 people a day with an acute asthma attack.

The doctors say that for example in Uganda, asthma patients account for 32 per cent of the acute medical visits in hospitals. The same doctors say that according to the research they have been making, six out of every 10 patients the hospitals receive daily have uncontrolled asthma.

Asthma attacks some patients at least more than two times a week. The doctors say that the patients with uncontrolled asthma many times they cannot carry out routine exercises.

The medical experts dealing with respiratory system (Pulmonologists) say that neglecting the disease can lower productivity and lung capacity. According to Dr Hellen Tukamuhebwa, a pulmonologists at Mulago hospital, misdiagnose for pneumonia, increases the rate of acquiring uncontrolled asthma.