Diwali is round the corner. But for those suffering from asthma, the tough days have already set in, thanks to the repercussions of Cyclone Nilam.
Diwali is round the corner. But for those suffering from asthma, the tough days have already set in, thanks to the repercussions of Cyclone Nilam.
In the last three to four days, with a dip in the mercury levels, there has been a 50% increase in the number of cases of asthma attack among children.
Worst affected are those between five and 10 years of age. “The weather now is cool with high humidity in the atmosphere. This is favorable for the growth of fungus spores. Allergic children, when exposed to the outside atmosphere, thus becomes susceptible to wheezing. Apart from several complaints of wheezing and asthma attacks, around 12 critical cases of asthma was reported in the last three days,” said Dr H Paramesh, pulmonologist and director, Lakeside Hospital and Medical Centre.
It is advisable for those suffering from asthma to take preventive medication during this season. Moreover with instances of coughing and wheezing, the quick relieving medications for asthma should be taken, said Dr Paramesh.
“Those who are suffering from asthma due to this sudden weather change should take care and ensure a better health before the onset of Diwali. As it is, with Diwali setting in, the sulphur dioxide content in the air will increase by 200 times, compared to the permissible levels set by World Health Organisation, thus increasing the asthma cases by 100%,” he added.
Just not the asthmatic kids, but children in general are having a tough time, coping with this weather. The number of cases reporting with flu like symptoms have doubled up in the last two days. “Since last two days, the temperatures have dipped. Particularly, the late night-early morning weather is quite chilly and early morning incessant coughing has increased among children. Many are also having high temperature. Those prone to asthma are having complaints of wheezing in the last two days,” said Dr Praveen K Venkatagiri, consultant pediatrician, Manipal Hospital. In most cases it is also seen that either of the parent is affected with flu, he added.
According to Dr PS Raghavan, senior consultant pediatrics, Apollo Hospitals, “There has been an increase in paediatric OPD cases in the past one week. Of this around 70% are related to common flu, including fever, cold, cough, asthma and wheezing.”
Cold, cough and cases of aggravation of asthma is increasing over the last few days. “In some cases the viral infection is triggering asthma. Moreover the cold draft of wind is definitely an add on to the problem,” said Dr Preethi Galgali, consultant, pediatrician, Chord Road Hospital.
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