Concerns are mounting among parents and health experts in Sri Lanka as reports reveal a significant increase in asthma cases among children, prompting a call for heightened awareness and preventive measures.
Dr. Deepal Perera, a prominent Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital in Colombo, has attributed this alarming trend to the ongoing extreme heat experienced across the country.
Dr. Perera emphasized the heightened risk faced by children as schools prepare for sports events, where outdoor activities expose them to the harsh climatic conditions, potentially triggering asthma attacks. He urged parents to closely monitor their children's health during these outdoor engagements and take necessary precautions.
Highlighting the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke, Dr. Perera stressed the importance of shielding children from exposure to smoking areas, which can aggravate respiratory issues, particularly in asthma sufferers.
Identifying common symptoms of childhood asthma such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing, Dr. Perera urged parents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if their children exhibit any of these signs.
