ISLAMABAD: Due to severe cold spell accompanied by dense fog, citizens, especially children and older ones, are being affected with different cold-related diseases.
According to a report aired by a private news channel, physicians says the unpredictable weather resulted in cough, cold, throat infections, respiratory disorders and even fever among the people.
Doctors said that children are the most affected due to their low immunity. Dr Asad Nadeem said, “more than 40 children reported to the OPD with cough, cold and chest congestion. Among them five to six patients are stated to be serious. Respiratory disorders are also common in this season.”
Dr Asad informed, the fog with pollutants smog can also cause or aggravate health problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems as well as eye irritation and reduced resistance to colds and lung infections.
Another Chest physician Dr Basit Ali said, “Senior citizens are prone to chest infections more as they have low immunity. This is because of secondary ailments like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems and bronchial asthma. In winter, we see a rise in senior citizens getting hospitalized for upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract problems.”
Doctors said, the number of school children with these problems has increased by 15% to 20% and the number is expected to rise in next couple of days.
Senior physicians said proper precautions are necessary to keep fit during season change.
They added that not only asthma but the cases of chronic bronchitis, lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia are also being reported at the hospital in large numbers during this time of the season.
It is recommended to avoid going out in extreme cold places, it is also advised to cover up the body properly and take adequate BP and heart medications for those who are already suffering from heart related ailments.
A large number of children consult doctors with pain in their ears, cough and chest congestion, Doctors said, “Having cold or allergy can block the Eustachian tube, the narrow passage connecting the nasal area with the ear, due to inflammation under severe cold conditions, Dr Asad Fahad ENT specialist concluded”.
