With the metrological department forecasting dry weather for the coming few days, hospitals here have seen a surge in the number of patients suffering from dust allergy, chest and throat inflections due to the prevailing cold and dry weather. The city has been in the grip of a dry and cold weather for the past few weeks. Health experts say dry winters in Pakistan affect the people allergic to dust. It is not just the dust in air. Dust in houses is also a major source of allergy. The combination of dry weather and construction activity in the town are adding to the people’s difficulties. Dr Javed of Holy Family Hospital (HFH) said on Sunday:
“We are seeing an increase in the number of patients suffering from eye itching, redness, swelling and burning while others have nose allergy related irritation, burning, sneezing and stuffiness.”
Urging people to use anti-dust masks, Dr Javed said the asthma and rhinitis patients who are allergic to dust should take special precautions. The hospitals of the town have also noticed a rise in number of patients with cough and flu.
Health experts say people should increase intake of fluids to contain effects of dry season. The cases related to children suffering from asthma have also increased. Due to dry weather, viral diseases have increased during the last couple of weeks in the town. The prevailing cold and dry weather has led to a significant increase in cases of chest and throat infections, especially among children. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department the weather system is likely to settle down in the middle of this month as a good amount of rainfall is being expected by the middle of this month. “If there is no rainfall within the next few days, dust pollution will increase and more people will be affected by weather-related diseases,” Dr Javed added.
