|
There is a prevalence of certain lung diseases in
Pakistan. Due to pollution in the environment, poor healthcare services
and ineffective and unplanned prevention techniques, Pakistanis are
affected by a lot of fatal pulmonary diseases.
Here are a few common ones, and how they can be regulated.
|
|
 |
|
PNEUMONIA
On a global level, Pakistan ranks third in terms of prevalence of
pneumonia. This can be seen how around 71,000 children die of pneumonia
annually in Pakistan.
Pneumonia is a disease that affects people with low or weak immune
systems. This includes children under the age of five and elderly
people. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria or virus, it affects the lungs
and, if left untreated, it can even lead to death. It starts with
coughing, often producing mucus, also called sputum, from the lungs.
Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood. Patients of pneumonia
have fast and shallow breathing and suffer from shivering, nausea and
vomiting.
Pneumonia can be controlled by getting frequent flu shots and staying
away from people who might suffer from pneumonia.
|
|
|
|
ASTHMA
Pollution is the main reason for asthma in Pakistan, especially in
cities like Karachi and Lahore where there is a huge population as well
as smoke produced by factories. Smoking is also one of the main causes,
and people who are surrounded by smokers also suffer from asthma due to
passive smoking.
There are seven million patients of asthma in Pakistan.
The only way asthma can be prevented is to avoid the triggers that cause
it. These include pollution, allergens, cold, flu or virus. Taking
preventive medications on time in order to avoid asthma from progressing
is also suggested. Taking frequent trips to areas away from city with
fresh environment can decrease symptoms of asthma.
|
|
|
|
INFLUENZA
Influenza is one of the most common illnesses found around us. But it is
more than just sneezing and a little cough. Influenza can be caused by a
number of bacteria or viruses and can progress to diseases even worse,
such as asthma and pneumonia.
Influenza vaccines, if administered properly, can make the flu less
dangerous and it can go away easily as compared to influenza occurring
without the vaccine.
BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis is the third most common pulmonary disease in Pakistan.
Although not a lot of statistics is found on its prevalence, however, it
is noted that a large population is affected by bronchitis in Pakistan.
|
|
 |
|
The main cause from bronchitis is smoking. Inflammation of membranes in
the lungs is called bronchitis. As the irritated membrane swells and
grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs,
resulting in coughing spells that may be accompanied by phlegm and
breathlessness.
It is said that eating onions decreases and prevents bronchitis. Taking
frequent steam or using a humidifier also decreases chances of
bronchitis. However, if cough persists, one must get treatment right
away as the disease can become chronic and fatal.
There are many other diseases that Pakistanis go through because of
pollution and our complete disregard of environmental hazards. It is
time that we start focusing on these issues, before the numbers get out
of hand. |