KARACHI, May 10: The Pakistan Medical Association - Karachi has urged people to adopt avoid using ice cold water, drinks, un-hygienically prepared ice candies (gola ganda) and ice creams to counter surging temperatures.

Dr S M Qaiser Sajjad, PMA General Secretary, in a statement on Wednesday said the imprudent attitude of the masses, with little care towards their health, has led to massive increase in the incidence of ear, nose and throat cases along with respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal diseases.

People are increasingly visiting doctors with complaints of sore throat, nasal obstruction, difficulty in swallowing, headache, low and high grade fever, he said.

He said it was not only unnecessarily burdening their pockets but could lead to serious implications on their health in the long-run.

“The aforementioned conditions reflect problems as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, nasal allergy and so forth,” he said.

Dr Sajjad, who is also an ENT surgeon, elaborating his stance said the symptoms get easily aggravated due to atmospheric pollution.

He appreciated the city government for its ongoing campaign against pollution.

Dr Sajjad also warned people that consuming gola ganda and low quality beverages, which use textile colour, also enhanced the consumers' vulnerability to cancer.

People in general have been advised to ensure maximum intake of potable water by boiling it properly to avoid diseases. It is advisable to consume 15 to 20 glasses of water daily, he said.—APP