Seminar
on Asthma
'Fruits
and Vegetables Prevent Asthma Attacks'
Children
whose diet includes fruits and vegetables have decreased chances
of developing asthma in later life. This was stated by Prof.
Javaid Khan, Consultant Chest Physician at AKUH. He was speaking
at the first of a series of educational seminars on asthma
held at the University in January 2002, in collaboration with
the Global Initiative for Asthma.
 |
| Consultant
chest physicians and paediatricians at AKU addressing
the audience during one of the ongoing series of seminars
on Asthma organised by the University. |
Elaborating
on the role of diet in 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 yoghurt."
Dr. Javaid said that asthma is on the rise in various parts
of the world, and it is mainly the changing lifestyles that
are to blame for the recent jump in asthma. He also termed
smoking, active or passive, as a major factor that worsened
the condition of asthma patients.
Speaking
on the occasion, Dr. Majeed Memon, a Chest Consultant at AKUH,
said, "a good history and use of peak flow metre are
sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of asthma; there is no
need for any blood test." Yasmin Mithani, a senior nurse
at AKUH, spoke about the various misconceptions regarding
asthma that exist in the public mind 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, Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics, 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 asthma patients in Pakistan are allergic
to house dust mite, a tiny insect which thrives in carpets,
pillows and mattresses. He strongly recommended that carpets
be removed from at least the bedrooms. Use of special allergy-free
covers for pillows and mattresses has 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, "inhalers
are much safer than tablets or syrups in the management of
asthma." He also 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 the 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, Chair, Department of Medicine; Dr. Gaffar
Billoo, Chair, Department of Paediatrics; and Khurshid Khowaja,
Director Nursing Division.
