Over 250-300 patients suffering from dust allergies are visiting the allied hospitals of Rawalpindi due to the prevailing dust storms.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) Medical Registrar Dr Umar Saeed said that the last three days have seen a marked increase in the number of patients suffering from dust allergies coming to Holy Family Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital.
Most patients are coming in with acute rhinitis, allergic bronchitis and allergic sinusitis. Though people from all age group have been affected, the majority are aged between 14 and 30, and around two thirds of the patients are female.
They have all been advised to avoid dusty winds by using masks, anti-allergy medicine.
The most common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, blocked noses, fever, weakness, fatigue, nasal drip, drowsiness and eye irritation.
More dangerous symptoms requiring medical attention include breathlessness, coughing up blood, increased respiratory rate and breathing spasms. “One should immediately consult a doctor for any such symptoms,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2012.
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