Air Pollution in Karachi Causes Surge in Respiratory Diseases
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, is grappling with a severe rise in air pollution, which has led to a significant increase in respiratory diseases, particularly among children.
Alarming Rise in Pediatric Respiratory Cases
According to the President of the Pediatrics Association, government hospitals in Karachi are seeing an influx of children with respiratory issues. On average, 80 to 90 children suffering from respiratory problems are being admitted each day. This surge is attributed directly to the growing pollution levels in the city.
Pollution-Related Health Complications
The increasing pollution has triggered a rise in both throat and chest infections, which are common precursors to more serious conditions like asthma. The association president stressed that these infections, if not managed properly, could lead to chronic respiratory problems.
Doubling of Respiratory Cases in a Month
The president also revealed that, compared to the previous month, the number of respiratory disease cases has doubled. This sudden spike highlights the severity of the air quality issue in Karachi and its detrimental effects on public health.
Precautionary Measures Urged
The health expert emphasized the need for precautionary measures to prevent further escalation of respiratory diseases. Without prompt action to address the city’s pollution problem, the health of residents, especially children, could deteriorate further, leading to more serious and long-term complications.
Karachi’s air pollution crisis calls for immediate attention to safeguard public health, particularly the well-being of vulnerable children.