Chest Health and Education Society in collaboration with Department of Chest Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), organized a Seminar in eve of World Asthma Day recently at JPMC, Karachi.
Dr. Javed A. Khan, Chairman of National Alliance for Tobacco Control and Consultant Chest Physician at Aga Khan University urged the government to enforce anti-smoking laws, banning cigarettes and smoking in public places and keeping vehicles with excessive exhaust fumes off the roads.
He said that about 15 percent population of Pakistan suffers from asthma, who include 10 percent children. The prevalence of pulmonary disorders is rising in the country due to rapid urbanisation which subsequently gives rise to environmental pollution. Pollution levels in almost all major cities of Pakistan are about 10 times higher than standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Similarly, tobacco smoke pollution in Pakistani hotels and restaurants is 10 times more than acceptable amounts, which is also a major risk factor behind rising asthma in Pakistan,
Dr. Mirza Saifullah Baig from the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences, said more than 300 million people across the globe suffered from Asthma. The increase in global prevalence was especially due to the increase in number of asthma patients in under-developed countries such as Pakistan. This is due to rapid urbanisation, pollution and thoughtless adoption of Western lifestyles and there is an urgent need for prevalence studies in Pakistan and devising a strategy.
He discussed symptoms of the disease and factors which made it worse, saying asthma was not contagious and can be controlled by quality treatment.
Prof. Nadeem Rizvi of JPMC spoke on ‘Asthma beyond prescription’. He highlighted that one of the major reasons for poor asthma control in Pakistan was poor compliance with medicines. He further informed that there are lots of misconceptions regarding the use of inhalers. The family and the relatives also pay a very negative role regarding the use of inhalers which are the best way to take medicine. A very small amount is needed to produce the desirable effect without any significant side effects.
Dr. Irfan from Aga Khan University Hospital said that individuals and populations should reduce exposure levels to common risk factors, including smoking and environmental tobacco smoke, indoor air pollutants, and should keep indoor humidity levels low. In order to avoid asthma, he said, healthy weight must also be maintained while pets should be kept out of bedrooms and vacuum cleaning of houses should be done frequently.
He said diseases of the upper airways, like allergic rhinitis must be treated and it is better to get rid of dust collectors like heavy drapes, carpets and stuffed animals, and also advised avoiding artificial sprays at home.
