Chest infections on the rise due to climate change

KARACHI:

Chest infections have increased in Karachi due to climate change and air pollution said Pulmonologist Dr Shakeel Ahmed Siddiqui sharing views in a conversation with The Express Tribune on Monday.

Dr Siddiqui stated that chest ailments were affecting the children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This chest infection is also affecting individuals suffering from respiratory diseases.

The infection has the ability to be transmitted from affected individual or child to other individuals and children. The duration of this chest infection is three to four days. Its symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, cold, and difficulty breathing. In adults, coughing is common, while in children, rib movement (intercostal retractions) can start. In such cases, it spreads more among children because they play with each other. Citizens should take care of hygiene. They should use a face mask when socializing or going out. People suffering from respiratory diseases like COPD, bronchitis, and asthma should take extra care of themselves. Every year, due to climate change and environmental pollution, there is an increase in chest infection cases compared to usual. However, one reason for this is also the low trend of getting flu vaccine in our society. Every year, medical experts recommend flu vaccines for children, elderly individuals, and people with low immunity from August to September.