Fog Raise Concerns for Pneumonia, Asthma Cases

APP

Islamabad: Health experts cautioned on Wednesday that the persistent thick fog across several cities poses serious risk of pneumonia and asthma to citizens.

They said that the escalating air pollution levels have become a significant concern, contributing to various chest infections such as pneumonia.

Dr Afnan Hayat, an ENT specialist, highlighted in an interview with a private news channel that children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their ongoing physiological development. He emphasized that hospitals are on heightened alert, preparing additional beds and ventilators to handle potential emergency cases.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/biting-cold-dense-fog-disrupt-life/

He advised that pneumonia is undoubtedly a risky respiratory health infection that can become a big problem when air pollution levels flare up.

Citizens should keep themselves indoors during fog times; the risk of pneumonia and other severe respiratory problems has doubled and also increased the risk of mortality, he added.

In cases of fog and smog, people are advised to take some precautionary measures and vaccinate their children, he added.

The expert also suggested plenty of rest, warm beverages, steam baths, the use of humidifiers in houses for air moisture, and timely consultations with doctors.

Replying to a question, he mentioned that pneumonia begins with symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Not only adults can get pneumonia, but children and the elderly can also experience it.

Interim Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Population Welfare, Dr Jamal Nasir, added that smog was an additional factor in the increased respiratory diseases.

He confirmed that the number of pneumonia cases was higher than the previous year and asked citizens for a timely vaccination.

Talking about the shortage of vaccines, he made it clear that in Punjab, demand for vaccines was increasing due to this issue. Patients were facing problems, but the provincial government was taking all-out steps to fulfill the demand in hospitals.