International Asthma Day: Experts terms smoking root cause of breathing diseases

Experts highlight steps to save people from chronic disease of asthma

LAHORE: Speaking at a symposium held in Lahore General Hospital on Sunday, health experts have stressed the need for maximum awareness on the negative effects of smoking on human health.

An awareness walk and symposium was held in connection with International Asthma Day in which medical experts highlighted the steps to save people from chronic disease of asthma. In his address on the occasion, Post Graduate Medical Institute Principal (PGMI) Dr Ghiasun Nabi Tayyab said maximum awareness should be created on the negative effects of smoking on human health. “In a way, we can also term smoking as the root cause of breathing diseases because it causes due lungs and stomach issues. He said apart from providing healthcare to the masses, the Punjab government has started a number of programmes to create awareness among the masses on different diseases.

“Media should also play its role in this regard and educate people about the hazards of smoking. There is also a need to educate people on how to adopt precautionary measures to have a healthy life,” he said.

The PGMI principal appreciated the organising of such awareness walks and symposiums in Lahore General Hospital and voiced hope that it would be useful for the common man.

Head of Pulmonology LGH Dr Khalid Waheed, Dr Javed Khan Magsi and Dr Aneela Chaudhry in their addresses were of the view that better environment was also necessary for a healthy respiratory system which ultimately helps avoid problems. They said more trees were also needed to increase oxygen and promote a healthy atmosphere.

The speakers threw light on the negative aspects of gutka and other stuff which created diseases for throat and breathing problems. They also stressed the audience to avoid substandard drinks and juices available at open carts and asked them to immediately contact hospitals in case of any complaints.

Earlier, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff held an awareness walk. Pamphlets were distributed to educate the masses on asthma. People from different walks of life were also present there.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2018.