Asthma is common in South Africa and, for many people, day-to-day control depends on the right medication plan, trigger management, and regular review with a clinician.
International guidance is clear that inhaled corticosteroid-containing therapy sits at the heart of asthma control, tailored to symptom pattern and risk.
Medical oxygen is used when blood-oxygen levels drop, usually during severe attacks or in people with documented hypoxaemia, and it should follow medical assessment and prescription.
Air quality can influence symptoms and flare-ups. South Africans are exposed to particulate pollution that often exceeds World Health Organisation guideline levels, and fine particles can irritate the airways. On high-pollution days, people with asthma commonly report more symptoms and activity limits, which is why a safety net that includes an action plan, correct inhaler technique, and access to urgent care matters.
Portable oxygen concentrators draw in ambient air and filter it to deliver concentrated oxygen through nasal cannulae. They are helpful for patients who have proven low oxygen levels and need support away from home, for example, after a severe exacerbation when a clinician has advised temporary oxygen use.
Many units provide pulse-dose delivery, which extends battery life but may not suit people who require higher continuous flows. Selection should be based on a clinician’s target oxygen saturation, the flow your body actually needs during rest and exertion, and how the device performs during a supervised walking test.
In an emergency, oxygen is a first-line hospital treatment for acute severe asthma to correct hypoxaemia while definitive therapies, like rapid bronchodilators and systemic steroids, take effect. That does not mean home oxygen is appropriate for every person with asthma. Using oxygen without a prescription can mask deterioration and delay life-saving care. If your action plan flags red-zone symptoms, you should seek urgent help immediately.
If your clinician has prescribed oxygen, think about practicalities before you choose a device. Stationary concentrators tend to deliver higher continuous flows for home use, running from mains power for many hours, while portable concentrators trade maximum flow for mobility and rely on rechargeable batteries. Check airline approval if you plan to fly, confirm expected battery run time at your prescribed setting, and test comfort, noise, and carrying options. Keep in mind that oxygen therapy works only while you are connected, so adherence to the prescribed hours is essential for benefit.
For everyday life, the basics remain the same. Use a preventer as prescribed, carry a reliever, and follow a written asthma action plan aligned to current Global Initiative for Asthma guidance. Monitor local air quality, plan outdoor activity on cleaner-air days, and book routine reviews to adjust treatment after any flare-up.
