Due to the changing weather conditions, parents should take extra in protecting their children from allergy diseases such as bronchial asthma, according to physicians, who have been getting more cases of the disease during the recent days.
“The main point to remember is that even when symptoms are mild, asthma should not be ignored,” said Dr. Bakry Mackeen, who works at Sun Polyclinic in Batha.
Symptoms may include sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes, inability to eat, audible wheezing, pale or bluish looking skin and broncho-constriction He pointed out that cold is the most common cause of asthma in children.
He said asthma has a significant effect on patients and their families. Children miss school and adults are absent from work. If monitored and addressed correctly, the effect of asthma has on daily life can be dramatically reduced.
“It is advisable for parents to take their children out for leisure to indoor entertainment,where they will not be exposed to allergens, Mackeen said, advising people not to take to open areas and make the children vulnerable to such diseases.
Bronchial asthma has emerged as one of the prevalent diseases in the Kingdom and had shown regional diversity, according to a recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia.
The socio-economic differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children were striking. Environmental and geographical influences were considered to be the reasons of the variations in the rate of prevalence.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways and it is the most common chronic disease of childhood affecting approximately 235 million people worldwide. Symptoms of asthma vary from mild to severe and intermittent to chronic symptoms.
There are two factors that trigger asthma attacks: allergic and non-allergic factors. The factors cause the inflammation, which is then followed by tightening of the airway muscles. Examples of these factors are dust mites. There is evidence that early exposure to large amounts of house dust and dust mites increase the risk for asthma.
Examples of non-allergic factors are viral infections such as the common cold, which triggers 90 percent of asthma attacks in children compared to 40 percent in adults. Another non allergic factor is smoke. Second hand smoke can cause serious harm to children.
An estimated 400,000 to one million asthmatic children have their condition worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke. The overall prevalence of asthma in Saudi children has been reported to range from 8 percent to 25 percent based on studies conducted over the past three decades. Some children who exercise experience exercise induced asthma (EIA) and develop asthma symptoms after activity such as running, swimming, or biking.
In a recent study, which compared results of previous studies conducted in 1985-1986, combined data revealed varying prevalence of asthma with highest 24 percent being in the coastal city of Jazan, followed by Taif, 23 percent and Hail, 22 percent, an agricultural city. The prevalence rate of asthma in other places included Al-Qassim 16 percent, Abha at 13 percent, Dammam at 12 percent, Hofuf at 14 percent, Jeddah at 12percent and Riyadh at 10 percent.
According to a study conducted by an asthma group, 53 percent of children in the GCC were absent from school for at least one day because of asthma. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. For example, in the United States in 2008, asthma accounted for an estimated 14.4 million lost school days in children.
The prevalence of asthma has been increasing globally due to a number of factors. In addition, the disease represents a significant burden, not only in terms of morbidity and reduced quality of life of patients, but also in terms of health care cost.
In the Kingdom, a new line of asthma control drugs known as montelukast sodium is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months old. Montelukast sodium is also used to prevent exercise-induced broncho-spasm in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Parents warned of allergy diseases due to weather
Parents warned of allergy diseases due to weather
Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority issues statement following Riyadh food poisoning incident
- Nazaha says royal directives mandate the holding of all responsible officials accountable
RIYADH: Following the recent food poisoning incident at a Riyadh restaurant, the Kingdom’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority has said anyone found to be negligent in ensuring public health and safety will be held accountable.
The authority, also known as Nazaha, added on Thursday that measures will be taken against anyone found to have obstructed the investigation into the incident and concealed crucial information regarding the cause of poisoning.
Riyadh experienced a wave of food poisoning cases caused by clostridium botulinum at the end of April.
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of food from a Hamburgini fast-food restaurant and led to several hospitalizations and one death.
The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing later announced that a Saudi Food and Drug Authority laboratory test found clostridium botulinum in the Bon Tum mayonnaise brand used by the food chain.
As a result, the distribution of the mayonnaise product was suspended and it was withdrawn from markets and food facilities across all cities in the Kingdom.
Operations at the Bon Tum factory producing the mayonnaise were halted in preparation for implementing statutory procedures.
Initial investigations by Nazaha “revealed attempts to conceal or destroy evidence, suggesting potential collusion by a small number of unscrupulous food establishment inspectors who prioritized personal gain over public health and safety,” the authority said on Thursday.
Nazaha said that royal directives mandate the holding of all responsible officials accountable, regardless of position.
“This applies to those who neglected or delayed fulfilling their duties, actions which may have contributed to the poisoning or hindered response efforts. Consequently, a high-level committee has been established to verify and oversee the implementation of these directives,” Nazaha said.
Nazaha added that comprehensive reports detailing the circumstances, causes, and those potentially responsible for the poisoning were produced around the clock after the incident.
The reports encompassed laboratory analyses of samples from various establishments and details of medical care provided to suspected victims, it said.
Precise laboratory testing, conducted by local and international foodborne illness specialists, swiftly identified the type and cause of the poisoning, the authority said.
Nazaha said the incident was contained and has been resolved.
Saudi Arabia secures membership in International Transport Forum
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia secured membership in the International Transport Forum on the sidelines of the event held in Leipzig, Germany.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said that the membership symbolizes the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing transportation challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. It also supports the Kingdom’s established role in developing the transport and logistics sector, he added, highlighting the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of benefiting from the country’s strategic location to become a global logistics center.
Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom has made significant strides in logistics, jumping 17 places to reach 38th place globally in the logistics services performance index. Additionally, the Kingdom achieved 13th place globally in the IATA’s international air connectivity index and 16th in the maritime navigation network connectivity index. He also noted the launch of a new air carrier, Riyadh Air, aimed at connecting the Kingdom to more than 250 international destinations.
The Kingdom is committed to enhancing the resilience of its transport infrastructure, promoting sustainable mobility and ensuring equitable access to transport services for all, Al-Jasser said.
Saudi membership of the ITF confirms its prominent position in the global transport sector, the minister added. This membership will enable the Kingdom to contribute to enacting legislation and regulations that improve and develop transportation on an international scale, he said.
Italian shipbuilding giant floats Saudi Arabia partnership plan
- Fincantieri stands out in the shipbuilding industry for its innovation, says CEO
RIYADH: One of the world’s biggest shipbuilders will work in partnership with Saudi Arabia to strengthen the Kingdom’s maritime sector, with a focus on sustainability and the development of “green shipping.”
Fincantieri, an Italian company and Europe’s largest shipbuilding group, highlighted its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda at a conference under the theme “Where Vision Meets Maritime Excellence” held in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Saudi decisionmakers from related sectors in Riyadh joined Italian officials in a range of sessions at the forum.
During the event, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero outlined the shipbuilder’s plans to collaborate with Saudi companies in line with Vision 2030.
“Our commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is steadfast,” he said.
Fincantieri stands out in the shipbuilding industry for its innovation, and has a leading role in the naval, cruise, and oil and gas sectors, Folgiero said.
The CEO highlighted the importance of developing green ships, designed to minimize the environmental impact of maritime operations, as part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Digitizing shipyard operations through innovations such as AI also aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, Folgiero said.
“Today, the shipping industry and the maritime industry, in general, is coping with environmental regulation. For us, it is not only a source of compliance, but also a source of distinctiveness. So, we believe that in the maritime sector, in the shipbuilding sector, mastering energy transition and new technologies will be a source of competitiveness and distinctiveness,” he said.
“That is why we are engaged in all the solutions (regarding) energy transition at sea. We are a new engine. We are in biofuels. We are in methanol. We are in LNG. We are in ammonia. We are in hydrogen. We are everywhere there is innovation at sea.”
Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, discussed the significance of keeping operations and businesses sustainable.
Fincantieri’s ships are built to produce zero carbon emissions, which helps to protect the environment and marine ecosystem, she said.
Khalil Ibrahim bin Salamah, deputy minister for industry affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, said: “Localization for us is a key factor. Key components are crucial, but the whole supply chain is equally important.”
Saudi Arabia’s envoy opens ‘Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved’ exhibition in US
- The work by Saudi Arabia artist Ahmad Angawi was presented by the Saudi Embassy and the International Finance Corporation
- Al-Mangour is a traditional Hijazi craft that consists of wooden latticework forming a mesh-like screen
RIYADH: Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s US ambassador, opened the exhibition “Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved” in Washington on Wednesday.
The work by Saudi Arabia artist Ahmad Angawi was presented by the Saudi Embassy and the International Finance Corporation.
The exhibition, held at the IFC’s headquarters, showcases the beauty of Al-Mangour, the traditional Hijazi craft that consists of wooden latticework forming a mesh-like screen.
The craft reflects the spiritual relationship between humans through a story of two halves that form one unit — the “loved and beloved.”
The exhibition included musical performances and traditional cuisine.
In her speech, Princess Reema stressed the importance of traditional arts in strengthening cultural identity and solidifying national heritage, and building bridges with other nations.
She lauded Angawi for preserving and developing the traditions of the Hijaz region.
Among those in attendance were the IFC’s Director Makhtar Diop, officials, diplomats and artists.
Saudi ambassador presents credentials to emperor of Japan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, on Thursday presented his diplomatic credentials to Emperor Naruhito during a reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The envoy, who took up his post in January, conveyed to the emperor the greetings and appreciation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and their best wishes to the government of Japan and its people for their continued progress and prosperity, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
