It isnt heat and CO2 which is making people sick... It is the COLD AND POLLUTION WHICH IS! ------------------------------- Cold air leaves Delhi wheezing NEW DELHI: The onset of winter in Delhi has been far from smooth for many people. The elderly, children, along with those suffering from asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and diabetes, have seen worsening of symptoms, with some requiring intensive care. Hospitals, including AIIMS, have been flooded with patients. The number of patients with respiratory problems and infections has shot up after Diwali. At least three patients were admitted in the ICU after aggravation of COPD and asthma, said Dr Randeep Guleria, professor and head of the pulmonary medicine department at AIIMS. He blamed the sudden exposure to cold and pollution for the increased cases. Elderly people and children are most vulnerable, and the complaints may go up in the coming days, he added. Elderly people who go for morning walks should take it later in the day. If there is prolonged cough, breathing difficulty or infection, one should immediately see a doctor, said Dr Anoop Misra, director of the Fortis C-Doc Center of Excellence for Diabetes, metabolic diseases and endocrinology. Diabetes patients, and those with hypertension should get their vitals checked more frequently, Dr Misra said. In winters, the blood pressure goes up due to constriction of vessels and it increases the cardiovascular risk - a leading cause of mortality in elderly, he added. Cold temperature causes restricted blood flow, tightening of arteries and reduced oxygen supply to the heart - all of which can precipitate risk of heart failure, said Dr Sujoy Shad, senior consultant cardiac surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Preventive vaccination is available for seasonal influenza. To avoid falls - another common casualty among elders during winters - doctors suggest lighting on walkways and support in bathroom. The vulnerable lot - elderly, diabetics and cancer patients among others - is also advised to get vaccinated. Regular and nutritious meals are a must.Most people tend to drink less water during winters which can lead to dehydration. It is a serious health issue and must not be taken lightly, said Dr M P Sharma, head of the internal medicine department, Rockland Hospital.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 23:24:14 +0000
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