Asthma Management in Qatar: Environmental Challenges and Recommendations

Author(s): Raghad Burjaq, Nadia Omar, Samer Hammoudeh, Ibrahim Janahi

Asthma has become the most common respiratory problem in the world. A number of environmental factors that trigger asthma have been cited. These include indoor and outdoor pollutants, allergens, and infections. In Qatar, however, poor air quality seems to be the most common trigger of asthma. With the second highest prevalence of childhood asthma in the Gulf region (19.8%), the factors that contribute to this poor air quality include natural sources, microbial communities, phytoplankton blooms, anthropogenic sources, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and construction activity. With the increasing changes to the climate and the ongoing development of the country, Qatar is facing a growing problem. As such, investigation into the air quality is required. In addition, the development of national asthma control guidelines and education and training programs is essential in order to combat this growing issue and lower the prevalence of asthma in the country.