Alia A., 12

Alia Akter, a bright and kind 12-year-old girl living in Geneva Bihari Camp, dreams of becoming a teacher and often helps her three siblings with their studies despite her own health struggles. Her father, the only earning member of the six-member family, works long hours as a rickshaw puller, but his small income barely covers their daily food and shelter, making medical treatment unaffordable. As her nasal blockage worsened into severe headaches, fever, and breathing difficulty due to pan sinusitis with nasal polyps, her parents grew increasingly worried watching her suffer in pain. Without proper treatment, the infection could spread, her breathing problems could become more serious, and her education and future dreams may be at risk. The family learned about Helpster Charity through a medical outreach program, giving them hope for the care that could restore Alia’s health and allow her to return to school and pursue her ambitions.

After months of repeated infections and sleepless nights, Alia Akter was admitted to Al Manar Hospital on 17 February, where doctors carefully evaluated her breathing problems and ongoing infections. The next day, she underwent a FESS surgery. With proper medicines, rest, and nursing care, her fever settled, the throat pain reduced, and her breathing became noticeably easier. For the first time in a long while, Alia slept through the night without waking up gasping for air. She was discharged on 19 February in stable condition, with doctors hopeful that her recovery will bring fewer infections, better sleep, and renewed strength to return to school.

Doctors have recommended Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) with reduction of the inferior turbinate to remove the nasal polyp, clear the sinus infection, and improve airflow. With this treatment, Alia is expected to breathe normally again, experience relief from headaches and fever, and return to her regular school activities with better concentration and overall well-being. The surgery will also reduce the risk of repeated sinus infections and long-term complications. However, if left untreated, the infection may persist or worsen, leading to chronic pain, frequent illness, and ongoing breathing difficulty. In severe cases, untreated sinus infections can spread to nearby areas, affecting her overall health and quality of life.