With the onset of winter and plummeting temperature in the Capital, scores of people are falling sick with diverse health problems, including respiratory diseases, dry eye and frequent urination.
Extreme weather conditions require extra care and precautionary measures, advise health experts. Dr Vineet Malhotra, Senior Consultant Urology, Nova Specialty Hospital said that urologists are witnessing a surge of patients with Benign Prostate Hyperlasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate which causes the problem of difficulty in passing urine among males. “The reason is that cold weather stimulates the sympathetic nerves and strengthens muscle contraction of the prostate, which further constricts the urethra and brings on some of the symptoms. It also causes frequent urination,” said Malhotra.
Suggesting preventive care for frequent urination, doctors suggest that minor lifestyle changes can help control the problems. “One should reduce the intake of alcohol or caffeine-based drinks, late night drinking and keep warm by not exposing yourself to the cold weather,” said Dr Sudhir Chaddha, Senior Consultant, Urology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Another endemic during this season is the eye itching, irritation and excessive tearing up. “Chilly winds in this weather badly affect eyes causing Dry Eye Syndrome. The outdoor air is dry which leads to insufficient lubrication in the eye and the conjunctiva becomes less moist than normal. This causes severe pain, discomfort and inflammation of cornea of the eye due to inadequate tear secretion and it can ultimately cause difficulty in vision,” said Dr Sanjay Dhawan, Director, Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital added that it can be prevented by wearing sunglasses when one is out and use lubricating ointment at bedtime.
Respiratory disorders also spread like wildfire in this season. Bronchitis, asthma and other lung diseases aggravate in this season due to the heavy air which contains highly-concentrated particulate matter making it tough to breathe normally. BlK Super Specialty Hospital has come up with a special provision for providing critical support to patients.
“Massive deterioration in the quality of Delhi is caused also by vehicular pollution which triggers respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and infections and this is a serious cause of worry,” informed Dr Puneet Khanna, Senior Respiratory Specialist adding that BlK SSH felt such a service was the need of the hour.