Madam Grace Koffie, the Nursing Director for the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has expressed concern about the rising cases of dyspnea (shortness of breath) and other allergic reactions caused by smoke inhalation.
Not a day passes without the facility having to respond to an emergency case, a situation she described as worrying.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, she said people should be mindful of the harmful effects of smoke on their health – cigarette, “wee” and burning tyres, among others.
Madam Koffie outlined other causes of dyspnea as Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis and Obesity.
People suffering from dyspnea, normally experience chest pains, dizziness, cough, neck pains, and painful breathing among other things.
Madam Koffie also mentioned cancer of the throat (Larynx), sinus, nose histamine, rhinitis, autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), as the other frequently reported emergency cases in the department, stressing the need for public sensitization to reduce the trend.
The Nursing Director, could not readily give figures, but said it was important people took deliberate action to protect their health and avoid anything that could bring challenges to their health and well-being.
She advised medical personnel to be dedicated to their call, and not make their area of specialization a venture for profit-making.
Source: GhanaWeb
