Karachi, August 12, 2024: Dr. Matiur Rehman, a leading pulmonologist and lung specialist at Ali Medical Hospital, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of smoking and passive smoking, urging parents to educate their children to protect their health.
In an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Dr. Rehman highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing issue of smoking among youth and the impact of secondhand smoke.
Dr. Rehman emphasized that children exposed to passive smoking are at higher risk of developing respiratory issues. “Children who breathe in secondhand smoke often have weaker and more sensitive lungs, which can lead to respiratory distress,” he explained. According to Dr. Rehman, passive smoking can cause symptoms such as coughing, excess phlegm, wheezing, and breathlessness. He noted that children in homes where parents smoke are more susceptible to conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Pakistan’s demographic profile compounds the urgency of this issue. With 64% of the population under 30 years old and 29% between 15 and 29 years, the country has a significant young population. Dr. Rehman revealed that approximately 1,200 children begin smoking each day in Pakistan, a figure that is increasing annually. “As responsible citizens, we must act to safeguard our future generations from addiction,” he stressed.
Dr. Rehman also pointed out that passive smoking can lead to asthma-like breathing problems, where the bronchial tubes swell, making it difficult for children to breathe. He warned that children exposed to secondhand smoke from parents or others are at a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) during their first year of life.
The health impacts extend beyond immediate respiratory issues. Dr. Rehman highlighted that tobacco-related illnesses are a major strain on Pakistan’s healthcare system, contributing to around 166,000 deaths annually. Reducing tobacco consumption could alleviate some of this burden, he suggested, freeing up resources for other critical healthcare needs.
In light of these findings, Dr. Rehman urged families to create smoke-free environments. “It is imperative to quit smoking and keep homes free from tobacco smoke. Avoid allowing relatives or visitors to smoke indoors,” he advised. This, he believes, is crucial not only for preventing addiction but also for protecting the health and quality of life of future generations.
Dr. Rehman’s call to action underscores the need for a collective effort to combat the tobacco epidemic and its detrimental effects on public health, especially among the vulnerable youth population.