SARGODHA:Like in other cities of Punjab, Sargodhga is also in the grip of severe smog, raising serious concerns about its potential impact on public health, particularly children and elderly people.
Health experts have warned that smog, a hazardous form of air pollution, can cause several health complications, including breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, throat irritation, eye inflammation and allergic reactions. Children are particularly vulnerable to polluted air because of their developing respiratory systems, making it essential for parents, teachers and school administrations to take precautionary measures.
Dr Sohail khawja, Medical Superiendant District and teaching hospital Sargodhga, a health expert, during his talks with Associated press of Pakistan said that prolonged exposure to smog could adversely affect children’s respiratory health and aggravate existing breathing problems. He stressed that parents should remain vigilant about their children’s health and avoid exposing them to polluted outdoor environments, particularly during periods of intense smog.
He advised parents to discourage children from unnecessary outdoor activities and ensure that they wear properly fitted, good-quality masks while travelling to and from schools. He also recommended restricting outdoor sports and recreational activities, especially in school playgrounds and other open spaces, when air pollution levels were high.
MS, Civil hospital,further advised children to drink sufficient water, maintain personal hygiene and wash their eyes with clean water if they experienced irritation. He said that windows and doors of homes and classrooms should remain closed when outdoor pollution levels were high to minimize the entry of polluted air.
He urged parents and teachers to pay attention to symptoms such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulties and chest discomfort, adding that children experiencing such problems should receive timely medical attention. Any worsening respiratory symptoms should not be ignored, particularly among children with pre-existing health conditions.
Doctor Sohail khawja also called upon school administrations to take practical steps to protect students, including monitoring air quality conditions, limiting outdoor activities during severe smog and creating awareness among children about preventive measures.