The sharp drop in temperature has not only spread a chill in the air, but has also brought its share of cold-related diseases. According to city doctors, there has been 30 per cent increase in the respiratory diseases among children this winter.
The Pioneer visited city’s dedicated pediatric Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya (CNBC) and found that OPDs were crowed with children who were suffering from respiratory problems, pneumonia, viral infections, cough and gastrointestinal disorders.
Dr Anoop Mohta, Director of the CNBC, says that due to seasonal changes, the children are bound to suffer from winter-related disorders. The figures available from the various city hospitals indicate over 30 per cent increase in the respiratory diseases among children.
leela Devi, resident of Geeta Colony, came to the hospital for the treatment of her three-year-old daughter who was suffering from cough and viral infection. She said, “From the last few days my daughter is suffering from viral fever, cough and sneezing. I came here for the treatment of my daughter”.
A mother of 7-year-old boy was very disturbed as his son was suffering from pneumonia. “Doctors advised me to admit my son in hospital for quick recovery”. said Fateema, a resident of Shahdara in North East Delhi.
According to the Dr. Nameet Jerath, Pediatrics Intensive Care at Apollo hospital, said, “The trend of young ones falling sick increases every year due to the seasonal change and children usually suffer from viral infections with respiratory health issues too. Sometime, children also suffer from allergies, dry skin and other dermatologic problems.”
Citing air pollution as one of the factors for increasing number of respiratory problems and other health issues, Dr. Girish Raheja, ENT specialist at Apollo Hospital, said, “There is about 15 per cent rise in the patients complaining ENT illness and this has affected people of all age groups. They suffer from swelling throat and blocked nose. This leads to irritation and inflammation in the throat,” said Dr. Raheja.
The Pioneer has continuously been reporting how poor air quality and climate change has led to an increase in the respiratory diseases, eye disorders, health issues to the pregnant and new born babies and increase of auto-immune diseases such as arthritis among people. Medical officials said that in the coming days, there will be a spike in the number of patients as the PM 2.5 and PM 10 are touching a new high every day.