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| 20 % Children Suffering from Asthma in Pakistan
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Atmospheric pollution,
smoking and changes in dietary habits are among the reasons behind
the rapid rise of asthma cases in Pakistan. This was stated by Dr
Fayyaz Hussain, Head, Pulmonary Section at Aga Khan University (AKU),
during a recent seminar in Karachi. The event was arranged by the
University in connection with an education campaign for nurses and
paramedical staff.
Commenting on a recent report by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA),
Professor Javaid Khan, Consultant Chest Physician at AKU, said that
some 300 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, warning
that future increases in incidence are likely to be greatest in developing
countries such as Pakistan. Highlighting the relationship between
diet and asthma, Professor Khan pointed out that "children these days
eat less fruits and vegetables and instead rely on fast food." This,
he said, is thought to be one of the reasons behind the increase in
asthma cases worldwide. "Attacks, meanwhile, are generally precipitated
by inhalation of allergens like pollen and dust mites," added Professor
Khan.
Dr Javed Husain, Consultant Chest Physician at AKU, elaborated that
"there are a lot of misconceptions in Pakistan about diet and asthma.
Patients should eat a balanced diet and there is no need to avoid
rice, milk, eggs or yogurt, as is commonly believed in our society."
Dr Husain also stressed the need to remove the social stigma attached
to asthma in Pakistan. "Patients with asthma can live a normal life
provided they take appropriate treatment," he said.
Fehmida Mehdi, an asthma nurse at Aga Khan University Hospital, said
that inhalers are the safest method of delivery of drugs to the airways
and lungs. "There are many misconceptions about inhalers in Pakistan.
Some believe that inhalers are addictive if used regularly. Others
feel that inhalers should only be used at a very advanced stage of
the disease," explained Ms Mehdi.
Regarding the use of steroids, Dr Mohammad Aslam, Fellow in Pulmonology
at the University Hospital, said that oral steroids are recommended
only for short-term use in the event of severe asthma attacks. "It
is sad to see that many quacks in Pakistan are handing out steroids
in powder and capsule form on a long-term basis," lamented Dr Aslam.
He revealed that inhalers, on the other hand, contain such small quantities
of steroids that they do not cause any significant side effects and
are by far the best drugs currently available for the prevention of
asthma.
Dispelling the myth that children with asthma should lead inactive
lives, Dr Naseeruddin Mahmood, Consultant Paediatrician at AKU, said
that "children with asthma can participate in all physical activities
normal to their age. There is no place for restrictions on activity
in the management of this condition." Dr Mahmood also urged the government
to take measures to protect children from the effects of environmental
tobacco smoke.
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