KARACHI, May 20: More than five per cent of Pakistan's population suffers from asthma, a disease about which many misconceptions exist. The disease is curable provided the patients are treated properly.

This was stated at a health awareness programme held jointly on Thursday by the Pakistan Chest Society (PCS) and the Defence Residents Society at the DHA Library Auditorium.

Dr Nadeem Rizvi of the PCS said asthmatics usually did not attach enough importance to the use of inhalers. "There is a misconception among people that pills and capsules are more effective than inhalers, that's why these are not used regularly, causing problems," he said.

Dr Rizvi told the audience that some 130 million people suffered from asthma in the world. "In the developed countries too, this is a major health problem." He cautioned against the chewing of betel nuts and tobacco because doing these could cause mouth cancers.

Dr Javed Khan of the Aga Khan University said it was better for the patients to consult one good physician instead of meeting several ordinary ones. He stressed the need for early detection of asthma cases.

Javed Iqbal of the Defence Residents Society pointed out that vehicular fumes, use of perfumes, active and passive smoking and wall-to-wall carpeting fuelled asthma cases. Brig Maqsood Hussain also spoke on the occasion.