Do not take that sore throat lightly

Have you been suffering from a running nose, sore throat, fever and body ache of late? You are not alone. Doctors in the city are reporting that almost 50-60% of cases coming to them are of these kinds. According to experts in the field, the prime reason behind it is the changing weather which has caused the bacteria in the air to double up.

“It happens every year. After the rains, the dryness in the air causes  bacteria in the air increase manifold,” says Dr Girish Anand, ENT consultant, and head & neck surgeon, Columbia Asia.

“Running nose leads to infection and dryness in the throat. People often try to clear the throat to get rid of the dryness. This leads to swelling of that area and thus there is severe pain,” Dr Anand remarks, adding that pollen, smoke and dust particles in the air are some of the other causes leading to viral infection.

Dr R Manjunath, consultant, general medicine, Dr Malathi Manipal Hospitals, feels that the recovery process this year was taking longer than  usual. “I do not know the exact reason, but the truth is viruses are not  reacting to antibiotics. So we have little choice. In severe cases, we get the patient admitted,” he says.

However, there are some who feel changing weather  is just one reason behind respiratory and throat disorder. “I usually receive complaints from patients after weekends. People visit malls and movie halls on Saturdays and Sundays.  It is easy to catch infection when you are in a crowded place. Hence, you should be careful as to what you eat and where you go,” says Dr Anantha Padmanabha, consultant physician, Fortis.  

As viruses are not reacting to antibiotics, doctors are left with little choice but to give high dosage medicines. “In some cases, it takes almost 2-3 weeks for patients to recover. Every year, there is a new virus that comes in the air. What works for one, does not necessarily works for the other,” says Dr Padmanabha. 

What is the remedy
Do steaming 2-3 times in a day
Keep away from cold drinks, air conditioner etc
Avoid sharing of glass, utensils
Gargle with warm water
Brush your teeth twice a day