KARACHI, Dec 23: There is a need to remove various misconceptions and taboos associated with asthma, and accordingly fight for the right to clean air so that those suffering from this troubling condition— associated with problems in breathing and obstructed air passages, leading to sudden deaths in severe cases— can afford a comfortable and dignified life.

In Pakistan where about ten per cent of the people are affected by this condition in varying stages, and rapid industrialization and urbanization are contributing immensely to environmental pollution, triggering a rise not only in asthma cases but also making them more severe, quacks and so-called allergy and asthma specialists appear ever more ready to reap unethical profits out of the situation.

At a public awareness programme on Sunday, organised by the Pakistan Chest Society, Sindh, it was felt that the existing myths and misunderstandings surrounding asthma were a major factor hindering its diagnosis and care, thus leading to a large number of asthma deaths.

An expert panel comprising members of the Society and other specialists responded to the participants’ questions about asthma management. They described the use of inhalers as the best and most effective method in the management of asthma, having no side-effects.

Clinical secretary PCSS, Dr Mohammed Hussain of Liaquat National Hospital, demonstrated the use of inhalers and also space dividers used with inhalers in various conditions in young children and elderly patients, who for obvious reasons cannot coordinate with inhalers. He also showed how nebulizers worked and informed the audience about their benefits and hazards.

To a question, he said that nebulizer were useful in severe asthma attacks in infants, young children and elderly and unconscious patients.

Dr Jawed A Khan from the Aga Khan University Hospital mentioned the symptomatology of asthma and said that cold air, dust, smoke, pollution, common cold and allergic conditions tended to aggravate asthma conditions.

General secretary PCSS Dr Nadeem Rizvi advised the people to seek expert help in diagnosis and management of asthma. To a question, he said that self-medication, repetition of doctors’ prescriptions without consulting them could be very harmful and produce dangerous side- effects.

He also advised the people to avoid quacks as most of the preparations they dole out as ‘asthma cures’ are laced with steroids, whose indiscriminate use produces diabetes, hypertension etc.

Prof A. G. Billoo, head of the Paediatrics Department AKU answered queries about management of asthmatic conditions in infants and children. He said that children having asthma should not be exposed to too much cold and suggested that near- normal room temperatures should be maintained for them.

It was also felt that nurses and paramedics should also be provided special training in handling asthma patients, and in providing them first aid when needed.

It was strongly felt that as pollution was a major trigger factor, people had to make a concerted effort to fight for their right to clean air.

One participant suggested that officials of PCSS should make it a point of calling upon the governor and the city Nazim on regular basis to persuade them for action on clean air.