KARACHI, Nov 13: Ear, nose and throat specialists have advised the general public to avoid excessive use of cold, sour and fried food for prevention against "Rinopforyngitis", a viral disease of the nose and throat that has affected approximately 70 per cent of Karachi's population.

Talking to PPI on Saturday, ENT Surgeon and the General Secretary, Pakistan Medical Association - Karachi, Dr Qaisar Sajjad, said that Rinopforyngitis had spread in Karachi due to irregularity in weather.

Describing symptoms of the disease, he said that its signs included running nose, excessive sneezing, sore throat, cough leading to temporary hoarseness of the voice. And the patients might sometimes even catch high fever, feel lethargic, weakness, headache, body ache etc.

He said it was an absolutely contagious disease, and the virus could spread to other persons also.

He advised that since it the disease was not bacterial, therefore, patients should not use antibiotics.

"One has to take ordinary care to stop its spread. If anyone is suffering from it, he or she should keep a handkerchief with them, and take extra care that the virus does not spread to other people.

"Patient should take proper rest (at least 7-8 hours), fresh food (priority should be given to home made food) and get symptomatic treatment," he said.

He added that the use of vitamin B complex or other vitamins could boost the immunity of patients against the virus, but if the problem persisted for more than 4-6 days, one should seek an expert opinion from an ENT specialist.

He said that sometimes, the viral problem gets solved itself, as patients develop an immunity against it in their bodies.

Prof and the Head, Department of ENT, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Dr Tariq Rafi, said people during the holy month of Ramazan, used cold and sour food in excess without taking any care.

He said the virus often attacked in the beginning of winter season and persisted till sometimes later.

Prof and the Head, Department of ENT, Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Jawed Alam, also suggested that sour items, cold drinks, ice creams and fried food should not be taken, as these increased the risk getting the disease.- PPI