Health hazards: Winter aliments rise as the cold air breezes in

complains of asthma, seasonal allergies, skin rashes, urticaria, angioedema arise

ISLAMABAD: As the winter wind breezes in, on one hand it provides a much sought after relief and respite from the scorching heat of summer while on the other it also ushers in problems for those suffering from ailments which the cold aggravates.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad a huge rush of patients complaining of asthma, seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, skin rashes, urticaria, angioedema, and other dermatological problems not related to allergies, is being witnessed

Speaking to the media, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Senior Pulmonologist Dr Rehana Kousar said the change of weather was the main cause of asthma, flu and dry cough, and the people should take preventive measures to avoid medical complications.

Fakhar Hayat, who works at Allergy Centre, National Institute of Health (NIH), said as pollen count was gradually increasing in the federal capital, people, particularly asthma patients, should immediately start adopting precautionary measures, such as use of face mask and avoid oily meal.

He said the NIH was working to produce allergy vaccine immunotherapy in sufficient quantity to treat the patients suffering from nasal, respiratory tract, skin, gastrointestinal tract and food related allergy problems, who were visiting the centre in large numbers. The patients with severe complications were referred to government hospitals, including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), for medical care, he added.  Fakhar Hayat said allergy producing particles after entering the nose came into contact with its internal lining causing irritation, inflammation and swelling and as a result the people started sneezing.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2018.