The sudden showers may have helped cool the city but the change in weather may also affect those with asthma, say doctors.
At Fortis Malar Hospital, consultant pulmonologist K. Rajkumar said there had been a significant spike in cases.
“The change in climate and the cold air causes the airway diameter to decrease and mucous production to increase. This can trigger an asthma attack. Dry coughs, tightness in the chest, breathlessness and increased wheezing are all symptoms that those with asthma may experience,” he said.
“Take reliever medicines and try and stay indoors to avoid exposure to the cold,” said A. Suresh, consultant pulmonologist at SRM Institute for Medical Science.
“We generally teach patients how to handle sudden changes in the weather such as this. Their reliever inhalers, which are used as and when needed, can be used up to six times a day. But if symptoms are not relieved, we are asking patients to come to the hospital,” he said.
Cold and cough could occur and allergies too could flare up around this time, said Safinaz, consultant, general medicine at Apollo Hospitals.
“Arthritis too, could play up. Residents should ensure they have a good, clean, hygienic diet, cover themselves adequately and protect their feet while outside. Those who have a vitamin D deficiency must ensure they take their supplements,” Dr. Safinaz said.
Parents should ensure hand hygiene, emphasised L.N. Padmasini, of the paediatric medicine department, Sri Ramachandra University, adding that this weather generally brought in a spurt of respiratory and diarrhoeal illnesses.
“Be particular about the water used – it should be boiled and cooled and eat food prepared at home,” she said.
Patients advised
to take reliever medicines and avoid exposure
to cold
