KARACHI, May 7: The vice-chancellor of the Dow University of Health Sciences, Prof Masood Hameed Khan, has said that environmental pollution is the major reason behind increase in asthma patients in the country.

Speaking at a seminar on asthma organised by the DUHS and the Pakistan Chest Society on Monday, Prof Khan said that efforts should be made to improve both the external and internal environments. He said that smokes coming out of vehicles and factories and dust or cigarette smoke mainly contributed to asthmatic conditions.

Stressing the need for proper planning to control the harmful diseases, the vice-chancellor said that medical experts, students, social welfare institutions and media could play a vital role in creating awareness about environmental issues and prevention of diseases, including asthma.

Prof Masood suggested that workers of chemical and cotton industries should use masks to prevent asthma.

Director of Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Dr Ashraf Sadiq said that carelessness towards animals in house and in the use of carpets and curtains could cause asthma in human beings. He said that asthma was not a curable disease but could be managed effectively with prompt and proper treatment.

Dr. Faizullah Shafqat, Dr Nisar Ahmad Rao and Dr Aisha Mehnaz also spoke at the seminar. They said guidelines on asthma management were available for general practitioners and they should educate patients continuously during each visit.

It was further said that for reduction of exacerbations of asthma it was imperative to avoid risk factors like allergens, pollens, pollutants, certain medications like aspirin and beta-blockers.