Spike in childhood Asthma cases in Sri Lanka

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have raised alarm over a sharp increase in asthma cases among children, prompting calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures from parents and caregivers.

Dr. Deepal Perera, Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Colombo, pointed to the prevailing extreme heat as a key contributor to this troubling trend.

“With schools gearing up for sports events and outdoor activities, children are more exposed to the heat, increasing their susceptibility to asthma triggers,” Dr. Perera cautioned, urging parents to monitor their children’s health closely.

Highlighting the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke, Dr. Perera emphasized the importance of keeping children away from smoking areas to prevent respiratory complications.

“Recognizable symptoms of childhood asthma include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing,” he noted.