Chilly temps leave Mumbaikars ill

Rise in cases of respiratory ailments, viral infections

For the past week, the city has been witnessing a sudden fluctuation in temperatures and air quality has led to an increase in complaints about respiratory illnesses and viral infections.

“The number of medical emergencies has been steadily on the rise due to increase in virulent flu strains and a rise in air pollution,” said an infectious diseases expert, Dr Om Shrivastav from Jaslok Hospital.

Dr Wiqar Shaikh, head of the department of internal medicine at the state-run JJ Hospital, said, air pollutants are causing breathing disorders in Mumbaikars.

“Every day I examine at least 200-350 patients who are suffering breathing disorders on account of the haze. Patients with asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are finding it difficult to breathe. Poor air quality is causing a rise in these cases,” said Dr Shaikh.

Dr Ramesh Bharmal, dean, Nair Hospital, has advised people to stay at home and avoid going to areas where pollution is high. They are also witnessing a rise in the number of patients with viral fever, runny noses, cough and vomiting.

“We are seeing nearly twice the number of upper respiratory tract infection cases, as also patients with severe dehydration. However, not many have needed hospitalisation so far,” said a professor from the department of medicine in Nair Hospital.

The drop in temperatures, coupled with a rise in pollution leads to coughing and breathlessness, said Dr Shrivastav. “Most likely there is probably a new strain going around, causing upper respiratory ailments. A change in the pattern of virulent flu strains may be the cause of such disorders. Usually, pollutants present in the air along with the virus keep changing, which must be traced by proper testing in well-equipped laboratories,” he said.