Silk rearing, though a main source of livelihood for many in Shidlaghatta, has now turned out to be a bane.
According to a recent survey, nearly 15 per cent of people working in filatures and those associated with the silk industry are diagnosed with asthma. “Most of the residents working in the silk industry can be seen suffering from asthma.
Asthma, which is incurable, needs to be treated at different levels. However, medicines for asthma is reasonable and is easily accessible,” said Dr Thimmegowda, of government hospital.
In order to create awareness about asthma among people, a free health check-up camp was organised along with a private company, he added.
Asthma is triggered by inhaling silk dust and vapours that arise when cocoons are boiled, said Dr Thimmegowda.
According to a World Health Organisation report, as many as 250 million people in the world suffer from asthma, he said.
Though, asthma cannot be cured, with timely treatment and proper dietary habits, gravity of the disorder can be contained, he added.
Maintaining cleanliness at filatures and providing masks to workers can prevent asthma. Also, it is important that people take medicine only after consulting doctor, said Dr Thimmegowda.
World Asthma Day
Global Initiative for Asthma, a world body, has been observing first Tuesday in May as World Asthma Day, since 1998. On May 1, various awareness programmes about asthma will be organised in the taluk.
