Seasonal ailments grip Karachi

The city's dry weather, chilly nights, and hot daytime temperatures have led to a rapid increase in patients suffering from asthma, allergies, fever, and respiratory illnesses. According to medical experts, dusty winds, burning garbage, and poor sanitation have worsened the situation, with both government and private hospitals across the city seeing a notable rise in patients with asthma, fever, malaria, and dengue.

In this regard, Dr Liaquat Ali, Additional Medical Superintendent (OPD In-charge) at the Civil Hospital and a pediatric specialist, said that in the month of October, there has been a surge in the number of children suffering from asthma and allergies. He explained that in small children, a wheezing sound while breathing - medically termed "wheezy child" - is a clear sign of respiratory distress.

He reported that the number of patients visiting the hospital's OPD daily has increased from over 100 to around 140, he added. Further, Dr Liaquat said that despite the end of the monsoon season, cases of dengue and malaria are still being reported in large numbers, with special wards having been established in the hospital on the instructions of the Health Department.

Currently, he reported, dengue is the most widespread illness, while cases of chikungunya are relatively low. The doctor explained that both dengue and chikungunya are spread by the same mosquito species and their symptoms are quite similar. Chikungunya typically causes severe joint pain and swelling, whereas dengue presents with high fever, back pain, headache, and vomiting. Dr Liaquat stressed that if a patient has high fever, it is essential for them to immediately get tested for dengue and malaria. He stated that dengue causes platelet count to suddenly drop, rapidly worsening the patient's condition, and advised that dengue patients drink plenty of fluids and only take painkillers when absolutely necessary. He stated that continuous monitoring of platelet count is crucial, advising that if the count falls below 100,000, extra caution is needed; if it drops to 30,000-40,000, the test should be repeated every six hours.

The doctor also mentioned that the first wave of bronchiolitis in children under six months of age appears during this season, and that even seemingly healthy and well-nourished infants can suddenly face severe breathing difficulty, sometimes requiring ventilator support. Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients also need to be particularly careful in this weather.

Dr Liaquat urged the public to wear masks, avoid taking children outdoors unnecessarily, refrain from using mosquito-repellent coils in rooms, and keep birds such as pigeons and parrots away from children.