Seasonal ailments spike as weather changes

Prayagraj: With change in weather, city hospitals and clinics are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from seasonal ailments like viral fever, conjunctivitis, throat infection, allergy and COPD (common obstructive pulmonary disease).Doctors claimed that dry air, exposure and cold were some of the key factors behind the rise in the number of patients at hospitals in urban pockets and community health centres in rural areas.
Noted physician Dr Anil Kumar said: "Patients suffering from bronchitis, emphysema, chest infection, fever, fatigue etc have gone up. High diurnal temperature variation (changing weather with hot days and cold nights) causes illness not by the temperature change itself, but by weakening the immune system and drying out nasal passages, making it easier for viruses (flu, cold) to enter. Dry air and temperature shifts often trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and allow pathogens to thrive." He added that residents must take preventive measures and consult doctors if the illness gets serious. At primary or community health centres, patients were complaining of runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle ache and sneezing.