‘12pc of Pakistan’s schoolchildren suffer from asthma’ 

KARACHI:  Around 12pc of the Pakistani school going children suffer from asthma, a seminar recently held at the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) to address the rising cases of asthma in Pakistan amidst deteriorating air quality and environmental concerns was told.

The seminar on asthma presentation and management was organized by the JSMU Continuing Medical Education (CME) department.

Addressing the seminar, Dr Rahat Naz, Director of CME and HR at JSMU, said, “There are around 10 million asthma patients and approximately 11.6pc of schoolchildren in Pakistan are affected by asthma.” 

“As we gather here today, we are not just discussing a disease, we are talking about the lives of millions of Pakistanis, including our children, who deserve to breathe easy and live a life free from the grip of asthma. Let us work together to create a future where every individual can thrive, without the constraints of asthma holding them back,” Dr Rahat added.

Dr Ahmareen Khan, a visiting scholar from the United States and an alumna of Sindh Medical College, called for treatment plans for asthmatic patients.  “Asthma is a preventable disease, and by customizing treatment regimens to individual patient needs we can strive towards better outcomes,” Dr Khan said. “When diagnosing asthma, it is crucial to consider a patient’s medical history, conduct lung function tests, such as spirometry, and assess symptoms such as recurrent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath,” she added. 

Dr Khan underscored the importance of establishing treatment goals, preventing complications leading to emergency room visits or hospital admissions, safeguarding lung function, and optimizing pharmacotherapy with minimal adverse events.

In his remarks, JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon said, “Asthma is not a limitation, but a reminder to breathe deeper and live stronger. With advancements in treatment and management, we can empower individuals to take control of their condition and unlock their full potential.” 

Prof Saadia Akaram, JSMU Pro Vice Chancellor, presented a token of appreciation to Dr Ahmareen Khan.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, providing the participants with the opportunity to seek valuable advice and clarification on asthma management and treatment strategies.