Poor air quality triggers rise in respiratory infections across Karachi

Karachi has witnessed a dramatic surge in diseases and infections, including coughing, flu, and fever, amid worsening air quality.

Health experts on Wednesday shared the increasing number of respiratory diseases, which are directly proportional to the bad air quality index.

Experts in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and ENT stressed the importance of elevating and prioritizing lung health, noting that both the government and the public have neglected it for far too long.

“Any form of respiratory illness has a direct link with air pollution as it destroys the lungs’ immunity and makes [individuals/patients] vulnerable to viral infections,” said Prof Dr Javaid Ahmed Khan.

He further added that he has seen a rapid increase in influenza cases compared to those reported last year.

However, the air quality index of Karachi is very hazardous. Hundreds of cases have been reported weekly, and if not treated, they might be life-threatening.