The number of patients admitted in hospitals in Kabarole as a result of smoking related illnesses is high.
A Uganda Radio Network reporter in the area visited Fort Portal Referral Hospital and Kabarole hospital, and found out that at least six patients are admitted to the hospital each week. At the chest clinic of Fort Portal Referral hospital, 15 to 20 patients a month are recommended for admission, while 20 patients are treated from the out patients department.
According to Dr. George William Wabwona, the head of the chest clinic, most of the patients suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He says that majority of the patients are middle-aged and elderly men who are smokers and passive smokers. Dr. Wabwona says that since the patients are many, the hospital counsels the patients about the dangers of smoking and also about the need to continue with treatment.
He also says that after the patients are discharged they are asked to return for reviews especially those with chest infections.
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Wabwona says that the treatment for smoking related illnesses is hindered by patients who report late for treatment. He says that some patients report late when their chests are infected and the complications can’t be reversed.
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At Kabarole hospital, Dr. Peter Musinguzi says that more than fifteen patients with chest pain resulting from smoking are admitted each month. He says that 5 out of the 15 patients admitted are passive smokers suffering from respiratory infections, resulting from exposure to second hand smoke.
According to Musinguzi, some of the patients admitted are aged 19-33 years. He however says that the hospital hasn’t reported any deaths resulting from tobacco related diseases. According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), 68 % of non-infectious diseases such as cardiovascular and heart diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are caused by tobacco.
WHO also states that every year 600,000 nonsmokers die from heart disease and lung cancer, and thousands of children suffer from respiratory infections because of exposure to second hand smoke.
