The sudden change in weather coupled with the rising pollution levels have led to an increase in the incidence of asthma and bronchitis cases reported at city hospitals.
According to authorities at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, the hospital has seen at least a 10 per cent rise in the number of patients suffering from asthma or have suffered a bronchitis attack in the last few days.
“The rain and the dust and smoke have resulted in a rise in cases of Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases (COPD), including bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. We have examined many patients who have suffered severe attacks in the last few days and some were admitted to the hospital in a serious condition where the lungs were badly affected,” Shashidhar Buggi, Director of the Institute, told The Hindu here on Sunday.
“Rain triggers bronchial spasms in people who are susceptible to allergic reactions. The best thing is to keep warm and avoid fumes and dust,” Dr. Buggi said.
Children affected
According to Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health Shivananda, the hospital has seen a considerable increase in the number of children suffering from wheezing and upper respiratory tract infections in the last few days.
“Usually, we get around 200 outpatients every day. Although this number had reduced to 150 in the last fortnight, it has suddenly increased to 175 in the last three days.
“Air pollution due to cracker bursting and also the change in weather are the main reasons,” he said.
Caution
Explaining that going out in bad weather may set off a sudden bout of respiratory problems in some people, Dr. Shivananda said: “It is better to keep yourself warm especially in the night as there may be a dip in temperature, triggering an asthma attack.”
According to H. Paramesh, Paediatrician and Director of Lakeside Hospital, various factors may contribute to the rise in asthma cases.
“We see an increased number of such cases during Deepavali. The allergen and pollen load coupled with the change in weather conditions may be responsible for the increased incidence of asthma and other respiratory disorders such as allergic bronchitis,” he said.
“If one is genetically predisposed to the illness, triggers such as exposure to pollen, smoke and dust should be avoided,” he added.
