Mumbai: Cooler air ushers in host of breathing ailments, viral fever manifestations

Mumbai: Cooler air ushers in host of breathing ailments, viral fever manifestations

The city’s peripheral hospitals have reported an increase in the number of patients complaining of these issues in the last few days.

Swapnil MishraUpdated: Monday, January 20, 2020, 07:47 PM IST
article-image

Mumbai: While the drop in temperatures has brought Mumbaikars some respite from heat, which continued well into December this year, it has also caused a rise in a host of respiratory and other bronchial ailments and viral fever cases.

The city’s peripheral hospitals have reported an increase in the number of patients complaining of these issues in the last few days. Temperatures in the city dropped by five degrees this week, going from 20 degrees Celsius last week to 15.

Dr Ramesh Bharmal, dean of Nair Hospital and medical director of civic-run hospitals said there are fewer cases at tertiary hospitals but greater footfall at the peripheral hospitals, with a 25-30 per cent increase in patients visiting outpatient departments.

“Patients are coming to the OPD with complaints of breathlessness, coughing, sneezing, tightness in the chest, allergy and asthma complications. On a daily basis, more than 25 patients are being treated for respiratory ailments,” he said.

The weather bureau has clarified winter is yet to set in and that the dryness is due to wind. People should avoid going out in the early morning as toxin levels are high at dawn.

“Excessive air pollution is associated with respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma. In such weather, cases of bronchitis are likely to increase in the city, primarily due to temperature fluctuations,” said a doctor.

Dr Kedar Korde, consultant physician, respiratory specialist and bronchoscopist, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, said there is a 20 per cent to 30 per cent rise in the number of cases of respiratory ailments in out-patient departments and in-patient wards during winters.

“With changing temperatures, poor air quality predisposes people to breathing disorders such as bronchial asthma, allergic or viral rhinitis, bronchitis. The climate conditions also aggravate existing lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder,” said Dr Korde.

Health experts say the phenomenon of ‘temperature Inversion’ intensifies air pollution. Burning of coal, kerosene, wood, and garbage, and vehicular exhaust fumes give rise to suspended particulate matter, which are responsible for pollutants getting dispersed in the air.

The increase in allergens, along with smog and pollutants can predispose children to viral and bacterial infections, causing breathing difficulties.

“An alarming increase in air pollution attacks the respiratory system. Moreover, higher levels of carbon monoxide directly hit the cardiovascular system and the entire respiratory tract, particularly among children,” said paediatrician.

Dr Om Shrivastav, infectious diseases expert, said, “If patients show any symptoms of viral fever or respiratory-related problems, they should immediately seek treatment in a hospital instead of resorting to self-medication.”

RECENT STORIES

MahaRERA Is The Only Regulator In India To Recover Compensation Of ₹125 Crore In Just 14 Months

MahaRERA Is The Only Regulator In India To Recover Compensation Of ₹125 Crore In Just 14 Months

Mumbai: Massive Fire Breaks Out At Vardaman Garment Shop In Malad East; No Casualties

Mumbai: Massive Fire Breaks Out At Vardaman Garment Shop In Malad East; No Casualties

Mumbai Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shinde Sena Leader Meets Govinda In Juhu Amid Speculations Of...

Mumbai Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shinde Sena Leader Meets Govinda In Juhu Amid Speculations Of...

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Shiv Sena UBT Candidate Amol Kirtikar Seeks Exemption From ED Appearance

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Shiv Sena UBT Candidate Amol Kirtikar Seeks Exemption From ED Appearance

Mumbai: Date For Demolition Of Sion Road Over Bridge Postponed Again

Mumbai: Date For Demolition Of Sion Road Over Bridge Postponed Again