MN Report
KARACHI – Baqai Medical University’s assistant professor and consultant chest physician Dr. Zafaryab Hussain said here that the cause of allergic Rhinitis and Asthma, which are common in the community and affecting 20 per cent adult and 30pc children population, is allergy and their treatment is also the same.
“Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are used for asthma, whereas nasal sprays, having steroids and anti-histamines, are used in allergic Rhinitis,” he opined.
He was speaking at a seminar on “Updates Pulmonology 2016” held at Baqai University Hospital, Nazimabad. Other consultant chest physicians - Dr. Zafar Ahmad and Dr Nasir Hussain of Liaquat National Hospital and National Medical Centre, respectively, and head of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital’s Radiology department Dr. Mubarak Ali also spoke on the occasion.
Delivering his lecture on “Montelukast and Airways”, Dr. Zafaryab Hussain said that Montelukasts (Leukotrienes antagonists) are used in preventing allergic rhinitis and asthma as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
He was of the view that chronic patients should get anti-flu vaccine every year.
At the outset, Dr Hussain said that updating knowledge and skills were the need of the hour for family physicians.
Talking about pneumonia and mass gathering, Dr. Zafar Ahmad of LNH stressed the need for appropriately using antibiotics in both community and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
“There is an increase risk of pneumonia in mass gatherings like Umra, Haj, and other gatherings and the people over 65 years, having diabetes, liver disease, renal failure, or other immune compromised patients, should get vaccine against pneumonia and flu,” he suggested, saying in non -resolving cases, tuberculosis should be suspected, but other causes like foreign body or mass in airways should also be considered.
Updating on radiological advances, Dr. Mubarak Ali of Abbassi Shaheed Hospital discussed standard chest X-ray, saying a good quality chest X-ray could help in diagnosing many chest diseases.
Discussing advances in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Dr Nasir Hussain of NMC stressed the need for diagnosing COPD with spirometer, suggesting bronchodilators LABA should be used more than steroids in inhaler form.
He said that since COPD is caused by smoking and pollution, patients should be encouraged to quit smoking and wear masks. “COPD is not curable and progressive disease but with good treatment its progress may be halted or slowed down,” he opined.
The seminar was followed by a lively question-answer session.
Earlier, Mr. Faraz Shakir introduced the guest speakers to the audience, while Mr. Atif from Macter gave vote of thanks.