As winter approaches, Karachi is witnessing an alarming rise in respiratory illnesses, with cases reportedly doubling compared to previous years.
Experts attribute this surge to deteriorating air quality caused by severe dust pollution from ongoing road construction, deforestation, and unchecked burning of garbage in the metropolis.
As reported by local media here on Thursday, Dr. Javed Ahmed Khan, a senior pulmonologist at Karachi’s private hospital, stated that while respiratory problems increase with the onset of winter (as cold and dry air carries more pollutants), this year their number has almost doubled, both in terms of hospitalized patients and those visiting OPDs.
Referring to the spread of diseases due to dust pollution, he said, “I think the air quality has deteriorated rapidly, due to the ongoing road constructions across the city, trees are being cut down and people are burning garbage on the roads, as well as vehicles emitting toxic fumes, which are not being checked by the authorities.”
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Khan explained that poor air quality can increase the risk of bronchitis – a respiratory illness – by exposing people to pollutants such as dust, smoke, traffic exhaust, and chemicals, while also negatively affecting the immune system, which can increase the risk of lung and other infections.
He highlighted that any form of pollution affects the immune system with people living in polluted environments having a higher risk of pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, as well as tuberculosis (TB).
According to a senior pulmonologist, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a key pollutant, penetrates the respiratory system, weakening immunity and increasing susceptibility to infections.
Normally, the average diameter of a human hair is about 70 micrometers, while fine particulate matter 2.5 is the diameter of inhaler particles, which are usually 2.5 micrometers and smaller in diameter.
Khan stated that poor air quality has also been linked to increased incidence of heart disease in medical studies because fine particulate matter 2.5 enters the blood and blocks the arteries.
He also warned that studies also link PM2.5 exposure to heart disease and cancer risks.
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Senior General Physician Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, who practices in Keamari, expressed his opinion that in recent weeks, there has been a 50 percent increase in cases of respiratory diseases including asthma, bronchitis, flu, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
He stressed that in the majority of areas in Karachi including Malir, Quaidabad, Korangi to Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Maripur, Keamari, Orangi, and Saddar the citizens have to face severe dust due to road excavation or construction activities, which left no option for the public to avoid pollution.
The senior General Physician Dr. Sajjad Siddiqui stated that the people are living in very difficult conditions, they are forced to drink contaminated water because there is no gas in many areas and people buy cylinders for cooking, he expressed regret that if these same people fall ill, they do not have money to buy essential medicines.
Dr. Liaqat Ali Halo, Additional Medical Superintendent at another private hospital in Karachi, highlighted that the hospital’s ‘Chest Diseases Department’ has seen a 25 to 30 percent increase in all types of respiratory diseases, especially in children.
He further claimed to receive children with pneumonia, COPD and adults with asthma, while most of the COPD patients are those who are forced to work in a polluted environment or smoke.
Experts advise wearing quality masks, ensuring proper ventilation at home, and avoiding indoor air pollutants like burning wood or mosquito coils to mitigate health risks.
Source:Dawn
