Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
10 June 2011 11:22
The number of respiratory tract infections has increased in Kampala
Asthma sufferers travelling to Kampala would do well to take precautions as figures show a surge in the number of respiratory tract infections in the Ugandan capital.
Air pollution is being blamed for the soaring number of respiratory problems among the city's residents.
Poor air quality can bring on asthma attacks, so at-risk visitors should keep their medication handy and take out medical travel insurance as a precaution.
Kampala's Mulago Hospital recorded 2,500 cases of asthma in 2009/2010 alone, compared with 1,899 during the previous two years.
According to a World Bank report, the largest source of air pollution in Uganda is vehicle emissions, followed by burning of fuels like firewood and charcoal for domestic purposes. Industrial pollutants are next on the list.
These emissions have been linked to the aggravation of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis by many studies.
John C Ssempebwa, the head of Disease Control and Environment Health at Makerere University School of Public Health, said air pollution can cause serious damage to people's health in the long run.
Campaigners have urged the government to tackle air pollution by introducing eco-friendly public transport and encouraging people to avoid using vehicles when they can walk or cycle.
13 December 2018
Space tourism could move one giant leap closer this week as Virgin Galactic expects to reach "space altitudes" for the first time.
[more...]
12 December 2018
If you're worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas, regular home weighing could prevent you from excessive festive eating and drinking.
11 December 2018
Airlines that automatically cancel return flights when passengers fail to show for their outbound journeys are being warned they risk breaking consumer law.
08 December 2018
Providing better conditions for disabled passengers is one of the main aims of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.
07 December 2018
Women who don't attend cervical screenings should be offered testing kits they can use at home, new research suggests.
06 December 2018
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
05 December 2018
Protein supplements and muscle training could be the most effective ways to delay or reverse the effects of frailty, a new study suggests.
04 December 2018
Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane has helped create a new exhibition to raise awareness of the loneliness felt by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
01 December 2018
A leading charity has praised the actions of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, saying the Labour MP had "done everybody a service" by disclosing his HIV status.
30 November 2018
Sweating out the daily stresses in a sauna could be linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people aged 50 and over, according to a new study.
29 November 2018
Hitting the Copacabana could soon become a more realistic aim for holidaymakers, with Norwegian set to become the first budget airline to operate UK-Brazil flights.
28 November 2018
Holidaymakers on the UK's proposed new high-speed trainline could have their Amazon packages delivered directly to their seat, according to a train manufacturer.