Asthma in Afghanistan

Written by: Mohammad Arif Rahimi

Those who climb on mountains, high buildings or work hard, might get tired and breaths with difficulties. This is a normal breathing but those who have difficulties in breathing during their normal activities or at rest, they might suffer from asthma.

The writer/producer AEPO has talked to some patients and physicians about this disease.

Mia Wulas, a resident of Nangarhar province says: I suffer from asthma. When I walk or work, I could not breathe easily. 6 more members of our family also suffer from this disease.

Another patient, Seema Jan says that her mother has a heart disease and she also suffers from asthma. When she wants to walk, after a few steps, she could not breathe normally and she fells down on the ground.

Doctor Karimullah Sargand, an internist in of the private hospitals in Kabul city says:

Those who suffer from asthma might have a cough with mucus or without mucus. Some patients might not have a cough but might suffer from asthma.

Causes:

A woman says that she had been baking bread for more than 35 years in the oven. The doctor said that my veins are blocked due to smoke and I could not breathe well.

Mobin says that his father had asthma and had not smoke ever.

Doctor Karimullah Sargand says: Tobacco smoke, pollution, pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, or some foods, chemicals, weather changes, heart diseases, anemia and ... could be the causes of asthma bronchitis.

Prevention and treatment:

Shranga, a resident of Paktia province, who suffers from asthma, says: I feel better after taking chicken soup at home.

Tawakal Shah says: my sister was suffering from asthma. We made a rabbit tired and then slaughtered it and gave a glass of rabbit’s blood to my sister and she has no problem now.

The physician says: We could not reject all kinds of home treatments. taking lukewarm liquids reduce the disease but could not be cured. The patient must go to the doctor for essential treatment.

Using masks during work or while walking and avoid smoking could also be useful for preventing asthma.