Air pollution in Colombo raises respiratory health concerns: Pediatrician

30 January 2025 06:15 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, January 30 (Daily Mirror) - Due to air pollution in Colombo and its suburbs, there is an increase in health issues such as respiratory difficulties, coughing, childhood asthma and viral respiratory infections, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

He told the media that there is a possibility of difficulties for those with chronic respiratory diseases. Therefore, extra caution should be taken with infants, children, the elderly, pregnant mothers and individuals with chronic diseases, as they may experience breathing difficulties and coughing.

Dr. Perera advised individuals with chronic respiratory diseases and childhood asthma to wear face masks during this period. If anyone experiences continuous respiratory difficulties along with coughing, it is advisable to seek medical advice from an experienced doctor.

The doctor also warned about the spread of the influenza virus and Chikungunya virus during this time. Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases while playing in open areas, as these locations record higher levels of air pollution.

Comments - 7

TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER Thursday, 30 January 2025 06:47 PM

STAY INDOORS AND ONLY GO OUT WEARING MASKS FOR ESSENTIAL PURCHASES, DUTIES ETC AND RETURN BACK HOME AND IF UNWELL SEE A DOCTOR AFTER HOURS GO TO THE CLOSEST HOSPITAL FOR ATTENTION. CHILDREN ELDERLY AND THE SICK SHOULD REMAIN INDOORS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE UNTIL THE CONDITIONS EASE.

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Blah Friday, 31 January 2025 12:14 AM

Children go to school and are forced to play outdoors despite the pollution and come back home suffering from asthma, got should inform schools on necessary precautions from school and alternative activities for the time being. The second school is over all these helpless children are exposed to heavy traffic building and exposed to mass pollution

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Help us please Friday, 31 January 2025 09:31 AM

Even if you see a doctor, nothing much can do since this is a viral infection. These respiratory conditions don't go away that easily. The only remedy is herbal concoctions. I myself is suffering from this condition for more than a month now. The body loses its strength and stamina alarmingly just like Covid. People are in a no win situation with this prevailing toxic air.

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K.A.D. Nimal Thursday, 30 January 2025 07:15 PM

It's pity this learned doctor is beating about the bush instructing people to just 'stay informed ' about the situation. He should tell people how best to protect themselves.

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No more fresh air Thursday, 30 January 2025 07:28 PM

India is slowly killing us by emitting toxic chemicals from coal power plants and burning dry crops regularly. SL government must take action to prevent this before its too late. When Singapore and Malaysia had the same problem with smog coming from Indonesia, the three countries got together and found a permanent solution to the issue. Why not NPP government do the same?

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Pullma Dingalinga Friday, 31 January 2025 09:51 AM

India is not totally responsible. In the outlying areas people are constantly burning their plastic and rubbish.

18 1

Citizen Thursday, 30 January 2025 11:03 PM

PLEASE WEAR MASK EVERYONE!!!!

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