E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 18 -

With the dip in mercury accompanied by cold winds, people suffering from respiratory diseases as well as viral-infections like common cold, viral fever and pneumonia are on rise in the Capital.

The number of patients suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between November and December at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) under Institute of Medicine (IOM) was recorded at 78, 12 and 32 respectively, an increase from 62, 6 and 40 respectively in the same period last.

Among total 78 patients suffering from pneumonia in a month period till December 6 at TUTH, five succumbed to the disease. Likewise, out of 32 patients of COPD, two died in the same period, the data stated.

Dr Kabir Nath Yogi, in-charge, Respiratory Disease Unit at IOM, said that the number of patients suffering from cold-related infections and diseases are on the rise in recent years during the winters.

“Cold temperatures lower immunity and thicken blood, increasing the risk of infections and heart attacks,” he said. The minimum temperature in the Capital is found dropped to around two to three degree Celsius in past few days and is expected to go down to the freezing point in next couple of days, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.

There are three patterns of diseases observed during the cold season in the Capital, said Yogi. “People suffer from viral infections such as common cold and cough, which, if not taken care of, can develop into pneumonia”.

Similarly, with the onset of winter, air pollution inside Kathmandu Valley has significantly increased due to the high concentration of pollutants, including carcinogenic that causes allergic asthma. Patients suffering from COPD, also known as chronic obstructive lungs diseases, when exposed for longer period in cold are likely to cause serious health complications.

A study conducted by Patan Hospital says the number of COPD patients doubled from 407 to 849 from 1997 to 2003, and the sharp rise in number of patients is found during the winter season when the pollution level peaks.

Yogi said many people visiting TUTH have been complaining of such symptoms in the recent days. The trend is same in other hospitals as well, he said. “Asthma patients should not expose themselves to cold environment for longer period and they should use mask, consume hot water and maintain extra warmth inside houses,” Yogi said. “However, carelessness even of cough and common cold can be critical. So if the symptoms prolong, then one has to consult physicians.”

He also said that smokers, children and older people are vulnerable to COPD, pneumonia and asthma respectively even though the cold-related infections and diseases are common among people of all age groups.

9 tips to beat cold in natural way

•    Blow your nose often and the right way

•    Stay rested, lie down under a blanket

•    Gargle four times a day

•    Drink hot liquids

•    Take a steamy shower

•    Use a salve under your nose

•    Apply hot packs around congested sinuses

•    Sleep with an extra pillow under your head

•    Don’t fly unless necessary

(Source: WebMD magazine)

 

Posted on: 2011-12-18 09:07

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