BAVINA SOOKDEO
Earlier this month, the world marked World Asthma Day (May 6), and with World No Tobacco Day approaching on May 31, pulmonologist Dr Shiva Jaggernauth is urging citizens to prioritise their lung health – by managing asthma more effectively and committing to quit tobacco.
“Take your breathing seriously. Whether you are managing asthma, considering quitting smoking, or advocating for cleaner air, your actions matter,” said Jaggernauth, a respiratory specialist practicing at Apley Medical Clinic, Pointe-a-Pierre Road and Southern Medical Clinic in San Fernando. “Let’s create a future where fewer children wheeze, fewer adults struggle to breathe, and more people enjoy the simple act of taking a deep, clear breath.”
A specialist in internal medicine and pulmonology, Jaggernauth’s interest in respiratory medicine developed early in his training when he saw the impact that breathing disorders – like asthma and chronic lung disease – have on people’s daily lives.
“I chose this speciality because it allows me to treat both common and life-threatening conditions while also focusing on prevention and public education.
“I’m particularly passionate about asthma, tobacco-related disease and improving access to care for patients with respiratory illnesses.” Having graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mt Hope campus in 1998, Jaggernauth attained membership from the Royal College of Physicians (London) in 2003 and respiratory specialist certification with the Royal College London in 2013. He is currently the vice president of the Thoracic Society of Trinidad and Tobago.
A rise in asthma – especially among children
Highlighting that asthma affects 262 million people worldwide and was responsible for more than 455,000 deaths in 2019, according to the World Health Organization, the doctor also noted a local uptick in cases, especially among children and adolescents.
He attributes this to environmental and lifestyle factors: “The rise can be linked to air pollution, climate shifts, increased Saharan dust and more indoor exposure to allergens.” He added that urbanisation and lifestyle changes have also introduced new triggers, including the use of tobacco products and vaping among young people.
Jaggernauth also pointed to a worrying trend: increased use of tobacco and vaping among young people. “Many young people falsely believe it’s harmless. However, recent studies show that vaping increases the risk of chronic bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, and even acute lung injury.”
He made reference to a 2022 JAMA Pediatrics study which found that vaping teens had double the rate of respiratory symptoms compared to non-users. JAMA Pediatrics is an international, monthly, peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association, focusing on all aspects of paediatrics.
Common triggers and poor asthma control
In Trinidad and Tobago, some of the most common asthma triggers include Saharan dust (especially between June and October), tobacco smoke, air pollution from vehicles, indu
