AMONG a number of environment-related or airborne allergies, asthma and bronchitis are the most common allergy-oriented diseases. Although genetic make-up, food habits, and daily routine of individuals and change of weather are considered the common causes of asthma, multiple environmental factors may also trigger the hypersensitivity reaction among the patients (both non-atopic and atopic) of asthma.

However, air pollution is considered the most common factor causing a rise in asthma and other respiratory allergies in Pakistan, especially Karachi. According to the World Health Organisation’s estimates, around 300 million people across the globe suffer from asthma.

Unfortunately, out of these 300 million people, six million people are affected by this disease in Pakistan. Some other studies have evaluated that during the past 10 years asthma cases or prevalence of this disease has risen to 76 per cent in Pakistan and Karachi ranks second in the country with respect to the number of asthma cases/patients.It is good to note that doctors and scientists in Pakistan are concerned on the prevalence of this disease. A research study on airborne allergies, particularly bronchial asthma and other pulmonary allergies conducted by a research centre of the University of Karachi, reported in this paper (June 4) is a proof of that.

A severe lack of knowledge about asthma can easily be noticed even among educated people. The unhealthy food intake and water contamination is common. Besides, air pollution in the city worsens the situation.

I request the government to take appropriate measures to rid the city of air pollution and control the spread of pulmonary diseases. Also, the government must ensure the availability of remedial medicines for asthma in the market. Instead of other steroids, the use of inhalers is considered the most effective remedy in controlling the recurrence or an attack of asthma. But asthma patients tend to show a number of reservations and concerns on the use of inhalers. They also feel shy of using inhalers in public. The government and the medical community must also educate people on preventive measures and cure of asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Better understanding of the disease and preventive/remedial measures will have a positive impact on public health. With proper and timely measures not only the spread of the pulmonary diseases can be controlled but the economic cost of these diseases can also be evaded.

NABIHA GUL    Karachi