Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, the most populous and polluted cities of Punjab, are facing the worsening issue of smog which returns every winter with a greater intensity. Major contributing factors are immense traffic pollution, crop burning and industrialization. These have led to major health issues including lungs, eyes, skin and heart problems. Although the government has taken some measures to mitigate these dangerous effects of smog but they have proven to be of little significance. Major efforts are still needed and public cooperation will play the most significant role in combating this issue. We aim to highlight this alarming situation to the relevant authorities so that the true gravity of this problem can be understood and anti-smog efforts can be accelerated.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent conditions worldwide and is conventionally treated by proton pump inhibitor therapy. However, around 40% of people have reported some form of resistance to this therapy. Vonoprazan has recently been approved for the treatment of GERD. Literature was searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Medline. Inclusion criteria were 1) Human subjects; 2) papers published in English language; 3) study types that are RCTs.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear associated with tympanic membrane rupture and purulent discharge for at least 6 weeks. Owing to the proper use and easy availability of antibiotics, these types of cases are rare in developed regions, but they are still occasionally seen in the developing world with poor hygiene and a lack of availability of antibiotics and immunizations. Patient presented with complaints of headache, yellow-colored discharge from ear, fever and vomiting. The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 12/15, neck stiffness and positive Kernig's sign, horizontal nystagmus and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes. Positive CSF findings and Magnetic Resonance Imaging showing right sided cerebellar abscesses, led to the diagnosis of right-sided CSOM leading to cerebellar brain abscess. Patient was treated with anti-pyrectics, intravenous mannitol, IV and topical antibiotics and IV-dexamethasone. Abscess evacuation was performed in neurosurgery department while mastoidectomy was performed in ENT department. Patient's condition improved quickly and was discharged with regular follow-up. CSOM is a long-standing middle ear infection, associated with ear discharge and permanent perforation of the tympanic membrane. Divided into two main types, a) Tubo tympanic b) Atticoantral. CSOM occasionally presents with severe intracranial complications, especially in developing countries. CSOM is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear. Without early and effective management, it can lead to serious intracranial complications. So, diagnosis of complications like cerebellar abscess should be on the differential while dealing with patients with CSOM in developing countries.

Parvovirus B19 infection can present with myriads of clinical diseases and syndromes; hepatitis and polyarthropathy are a few of these examples. Parvovirus frequently affects children but this condition has also been reported in adults. The present case report discusses a case of a 43-year-old female who presented to the outpatient department (OPD) with complaints of high-grade fever and pain in multiple joints of her body for three days. On examination, stiffness and swelling of the hand, knees, wrist, and ankles were noted. Laboratory investigations showed highly elevated aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and bilirubin. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) findings were unremarkable. PCR testing showed the presence of parvovirus. Parvovirus B19 infection led to the development of acute hepatitis, which appeared as yellowing of skin (jaundice) and led to hepatosplenomegaly. Parvovirus-induced polyarthropathy was also observed in the patient. The patient was managed with a parenteral course of ceftriaxone, paracetamol, and a normal saline infusion. Anti-viral drugs were also prescribed to the patient including ribavirin and pegylated interferon. This case study will explore how the patient was diagnosed and managed with conventional therapy and anti-viral to relieve parvovirus-induced hepatitis with hepatosplenomegaly and polyarthritis. Acute hepatitis can be caused by viruses and other noninfectious causes, all of which must be cleared out to avoid chronic disease development. When patients present with joint pain and skin rashes, a thorough workup for viral indicators, medication histories, autoimmune and metabolic illnesses, and parvovirus b19 infection is required.

The objective of this short communication is to summarize the current situation in Pakistan regarding the rising cases of diphtheria and to emphasize the need for public health interventions to control the spread of the disease. This study is a short communication. Data on diphtheria cases were collected from various sources including the Pakistan Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and media reports. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data on the number of cases and trends over time. As of 2023, the number of reported diphtheria cases in Pakistan has increased by 50% compared to the previous year. The majority of cases are being reported from the Sindh and Punjab provinces. The incidence of diphtheria is highest among children under the age of 10. The rising cases of diphtheria in Pakistan are a cause for concern and indicate the need for effective public health interventions to control the spread of the disease. This includes increasing vaccine coverage, improving hygiene practices, and enhancing surveillance and reporting systems. The public health community should also work towards educating communities on the importance of vaccination and preventative measures to reduce the burden of diphtheria in Pakistan.