The erratic temperature in the city has led to an increase in viral infections, arthritic problems, conjunctivitis and flu in children, said city physicians.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Pune is 32°C, while the minimum temperature is 14.2°C. Last week, the temperature had touched 4.6°C, an all time low in two decades.
Former president of the Indian Medical Association, Dr Avinash Bhondwe, said that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients at his clinic.
"The number of cases, especially viral fever and flu, has increased by more than 50%. While upper respiratory tract infections are the most common, there has also been a spurt in conjunctivitis, back ache and muscle strain cases. In few extreme cases, facial palsy leading to stiffness of face has been reported," he said.
"The erratic changes are perfect for bacterial growth and transmission of viral infection," said pediatrician Dr Jayant Navrange, adding that he has been seeing an increase in number of children with viral infections.
"The children cannot adapt to changes in temperature so fast. That is why their body reacts in different ways like vomiting, high temperature and upper respiratory tract infections. I have also seen cases of wheezing cough, bronchitis, flu infections and tonsillitis," he said.
With Pune witnessing the coldest days in many years, elderly patients were seen at orthopedic clinics in large numbers this year.
Dr Kiran Shethe, orthopedic surgeon, estimated a 50% increase in patient load. "The outside atmospheric pressure and joint pressure are in equilibrium and sudden changes in temperature mean this equilibrium will change fast. In such cases, joint biomechanics undergo a lot of stress, leading to pain and discomfort in patients," he said.
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