AKU Holds the First in a Series of Educational Seminars on Asthma

'Fruits and Vegetables Prevent Asthma Attacks'

Those children who take regular fruits and vegetables in their diet have decreased chances of developing asthma in later life. This was revealed by Dr. Javaid Khan, Consultant Chest Physician at Aga Khan University (AKU). He was speaking at the first of a series of educational seminars on asthma held at AKU on January 3, 2002, organized in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Asthma.

Elaborating on the role of diet on asthma, Dr. Khan said that fruits and vegetables contain certain substances, which protect the lungs from damage caused by air pollution. Dr. Khan advised that patients should eat a balanced diet and "contrary to common belief, there is no need to avoid rice, milk and yogurt." Dr. Javaid said that asthma was on the rise in various parts of the world, and it was mainly the changing lifestyles that led people towards developing asthma. He also termed smoking, whether active or passive, a major cause that worsened the condition of asthma patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Majeed Memon, a Chest Consultant at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), said, "a good history and use of peak flow metre is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of asthma." There is no need of any blood test. Yasmin Mithani, a senior nurse at AKUH, spoke about the various misconceptions regarding asthma that exist among the general public in Pakistan. She said that asthma is "not a psychological disorder and patients with this disease can live a normal life, provided they receive appropriate treatment." Dr. Naseeruddin Mahmood, Consultant Child Specialist at AKUH, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding for prevention of asthma in children. He strongly advised that children should be protected from tobacco smoke.

Dr. Asif Imam, an allergy expert from AKUH, said that most patients with asthma in Pakistan are allergic to house dust mite, a tiny insect which thrives in the carpets, pillows and mattresses. He strongly recommended that carpets should be removed from at least the bedrooms. Use of special allergy-free covers for pillows and mattresses have been shown to reduce the chances of exposure to various allergens, responsible for precipitating asthma attacks. Dr. Fayyaz Hussain, Head of the Pulmonary Section at AKUH, accentuated the importance of inhalers in the treatment of asthma. He said that "inhalers are much safer than tablets or syrups in the management of asthma." At the same time he assured the patients and participants that inhalers do not make a person habituated to them as is commonly believed in Pakistan.

Dr. Mohd. Irfan, a fellow in respiratory diseases, demonstrated the correct technique for usage of inhalers, spacers and nebulizers to the asthma patients. Later, a video on asthma was shown and patient education material was distributed to the attendees.

Earlier, Nadeem Mustafa Khan, Director General and CEO of AKUH, highlighted the role AKU is playing in imparting medical education to the public. Others who spoke on the occasion were Dr. Wasim Jafri, Acting Chairman of the Department of Medicine; Dr. Gaffar Billoo, Chairman, Department of Paediatrics; Khurshid Khowaja, Director Nursing Division.