Cold has taken toll on health, say docs
By: Priyanka Vora and Rinkita Gurav Date: 2011-01-08 Place: Mumbai





The fluctuating temperatures witnessed by the city this winter one of the coldest in recent memory have taken a toll on citizens' health, say doctors.

"Such temperature fluctuations cause an imbalance in the immune system, making people prone to respiratory illnesses.

Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to winter-induced allergies along with those already suffering from bronchitis or asthma," said Dr Ashok Mahashur, respiratory disease specialist, Hinduja Hospital.

Doctors say the cold weather presents the ideal breeding ground for viruses. Dr Mahashur said the swelling of upper and lower respiratory tracts is common during winters, which causes sore throats and loss of voice.

"There has been a 20 per cent rise in patients complaining of respiratory problems as per hospital records. But, only 5-10 per cent of them require hospitalisation." he said.

"Senior citizens suffering from orthopedic troubles lose mobility at times due to the stiffness in the joints brought on by the cold weather. This reduces their exposure to sunlight, triggering depression.

We have been getting at least 5-6 such cases every week this season," said Dr Pradeep Shah, consultant physician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

Warning allergy-prone people against early morning walks, Dr Shah said, "There is a settlement of particles on the ground during the night.

When one takes early morning walks these particles settle in the upper respiratory tract, causing allergies"

Number Game

13.6
The minimum temperature (in degree Celsius) recorded in Santacruz yesterday. The temperature dropped nearly seven degrees in one day from a minimum of 21.2 recorded on Thursday