Take symptoms of asthma seriously, advise experts

LAHORE:Various diseases affect human digestive tract, jugular vein, major arteries of the body, heart, lungs, ribs and chest structures. Tuberculosis (TB) severely impacts functioning of the lungs. TB is 12th leading cause of death worldwide. This disease has caused more deaths worldwide than diseases such as HIV/AIDS. In our country, over 10 million cases of asthma are registered each year.

These views were expressed during a special awareness seminar on lung diseases organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers) and Pakistan Chest Foundation. The seminar featured experts such as Prof Mahmood Ali Malik, Prof Khalid Masood Gondal and Prof Hamid Hassan. The inaugural speech was given by Prof Sohlat Ullah Khan, former Chairman Pakistan Chest Foundation. The expert panel included Prof Shamshad Rasool Awan, Prof Saqib Saeed, Prof Kamran Cheema, Prof Ashraf Jamal, Prof Salman Ayaz, Prof Zaheer Akhtar and Dr Saqib Musharraf. The guests included Ishaq Roohi, Dr Abdul Majeed Akhtar, Dr Muhammad Taimoor and Dr Muhammad Younis.

Wasif Nagi, Chairman Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society, performed the host duty.Addressing the seminar, Prof Mahmood Ali Malik, former Principal, KEMC/AIMC Lahore, said TB is a disease that affected Quaid-e-Azam (founder of Pakistan) at the time of creation of Pakistan.

“TB is the second most significant infectious disease after Covid-19. TB has caused more deaths worldwide than other diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Since 2000, over 66 million people have been treated for TB and saved, with Ayurveda playing a significant role in their treatment. We must keep our surroundings clean”, Prof Mahmood Ali said. Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, VC FJM University, Senior VP HPSP, said TB is a disease caused by a bacterial infection known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that spreads from one person to another through respiratory droplets or air. He said TB severely impacts functioning of lungs. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is a bacterium that affects the body and leads to the disease of TB. According to WHO estimates, more than 2 billion people worldwide are infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, and 95 percent of them are unaware of it. An infection with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis does not lead everyone to develop TB; it generally affects those with weakened immune systems, such as children and elderly. “Seminars like this help raise awareness among the people”, he remarked.

Prof Hamid Hassan, Principal, Al-Aleem Medical College, MS Gulab Devi Hospital, said TB, along with asthma (also known as bronchial asthma), affects millions of people worldwide. “In our country, over 10 million cases of asthma are registered annually” he said. According to a report issued by World Health Organisation, 262 million people suffer from asthma globally, and it causes 461,000 deaths. People often think of asthma as a minor issue, but the report makes it clear that asthma is one of the serious diseases that can lead to death. It mostly affects children under 18. Asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways, narrowing the paths through which we breathe. Asthma leads to inflammation, swelling and excessive mucus production in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. If any of you show these symptoms, take them seriously.

Prof Khalid Waheed, Chairman Pakistan Chest Foundation, emphasised importance of knowing the symptoms of asthma. The symptoms include difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and pain, wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), frequent and rapid breathing, mouth breathing, coughing, dry cough at night, respiratory infections, allergies, retraction (skin between ribs and neck pulling inward during breathing).

Other causes include allergies (such as eczema and hay fever), pollution, poor environmental conditions, obesity, exposure to chemicals and dust, low birth weight, respiratory or viral infections and smoking, Prof Khalid said. There is higher likelihood of disease if parents or siblings had asthma, he added Prof Sohlat Ullah Khan spoke about COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The COPD is a common lung condition caused by damage to airways or other parts of lungs. This damage obstructs airflow and causes difficulty in breathing.

“It is linked to long-term harmful exposure to particles or gases, often from cigarette smoke. Chronic inflammation causes narrowing of airways and affects function of lung”, Prof Sohlat described. COPD patients may experience lung damage or mucus formation, he said.

Prof Dr Saqib Saeed spoke on pneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation and fluid in the lungs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. “Common causes of pneumonia include flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal disease. The treatment depends on the cause and severity of pneumonia”, Dr Saqib said. Prof Dr Kamran Cheema talked about ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease). The ILD causes scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs.

“The most common symptom of ILD is shortness of breath, often accompanied by dry cough, chest discomfort, fatigue and sometimes weight loss”, Dr Kamran informed. In most cases, lung damage occurs before symptoms appear. In that case, one should consult a doctor immediately, he advised.

Untreated severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as high blood pressure or heart and lung failure. Prof Dr Ashraf Jamal spoke about lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Quitting smoking significantly reduces chances of lung cancer, Dr Ashraf said. Prof Dr Salman Ayaz discussed vaping which occurs when someone inhales vaporised substances from handheld electronic devices like e-cigarettes or vape pens. Prof Dr Zaheer Akhtar said problem of smog has intensified in Pakistan, causing diseases. Burning of crop residues, smoke emitted from vehicles and industries and lack of forests has made the situation worse, he observed.

Dr Saqib Musharraf said snoring is a disease, but most of the people do not consider it a problem. “We should consider it a serious disease and pay attention to treatment”, Dr Saqib advised.

Prof Dr Ijaz said breathing stops and starts repeatedly in the people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea while sleeping. Treatments for this problem are available, he said, adding one treatment is a device that uses positive pressure to keep the airway open during sleep.

Wasif Nagi said prevention of these diseases is important. “We should adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and do healthy activities”, he said. —