Rawalpindi
Dry cold accompanied with high pollution level in the air is causing spread of various seasonal ailments, especially colds, flu, throat infection, asthma and other respiratory tract infections almost all across the Punjab province and the problem has taken shape of an epidemic.
The temperature has already started falling to a significant level and the winter season is about to set in yet without any rain spell due to which the atmosphere is filled with toxic dust causing a number of ailments among residents.
The cases of colds, sore throat, cough, and flu are on the rise and according to health experts, it is time for individuals to take extra care to avoid damages that the dust and chemicals in the air can cause.
It is important that at the time of setting in of winter, immediate rain as well as heavy wind is needed to cleanse the air quality, which is engulfed by dusty clouds, toxic metals and vapours containing a number of harmful chemicals.
Health experts believe that apart from dust in the air, vehicles are also a big source of air pollution and it is imperative to take precautions in order to minimize their effect. The concerned government authorities have been doing almost nothing to control the increasing pollution level in the air.
The infections including colds, sore throat, cough and flu are highly contagious, passed by tiny droplets produced during sneezing, coughing of infected persons and touching things with hands and tissues that others touch.
Health experts say that in the existing situation when the air is filled with countless harmful chemicals, it is better for one to stay home and not to outside unnecessarily. One should cut down late nights and vigorous exercise for a few days and should stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
To minimise the harmful effects of poisonous dust in the air, one should drink plenty of fluids, at least eight to 10 glasses of water and fruit juices preferably lemonade. Fluids will help loosen mucus. Drink hot tea or water with lemon and honey, said a medical specialist Dr. Sohail Tariq while talking to ‘The News’ on Thursday.
He added that chicken soup can also help loosen the mucus. Gargle with warm saline water a few times a day to minimise the bad effects of dusty air and use cough lozenges or cough syrup if needed to quite a dry cough.
He said it may be beneficial for one to use a humidifier for keeping extra moisture in the room. A well balanced diet including fish at least twice a week and seasonal fruits can help minimising the bad effects of dry weather, said Dr. Sohail.