Fluctuating temperatures leave Mumbai breathless

City doctors say an increasing number of Mumbaiites are suffering from respiratory ailments caused by fluctuations in the weather and high humidity. A number of them after falling ill due to viral infections, they say.

City doctors say an increasing number of Mumbaiites are suffering from respiratory ailments caused by fluctuations in the weather and high humidity. A number of them after falling ill due to viral infections, they say.

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Grant Road resident Karan Soni, 23, has been suffering from continuous cold and fever since a week, and has now been diagnosed with asthma. “Such erratic weather affects people who are already suffering from ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. But this season, we are seeing young healthy people coming to us with respiratory infections,” said Dr Pratit Samdani, physician, Breach Candy hospital. Dr Samdani said he has been treating more than 20 patients of respiratory ailments every day.

Dr Om Shrivastav, an infectious diseases specialist at Jaslok hospital, said patients are also taking longer to recover. “Not enough rest combined with lesser intake of nutritious food is to be blamed. In the last few years, we are seeing mild infections becoming severe. Inflammation in the lungs as a result of respiratory infections is also taking longer to treat,” said Dr Shrivastav.

Public health experts say the period between March and June usually witnesses very few infectious ailments, but this year, the doctors have reported a large number of viral respiratory infections in March. “We are seeing patients with fever and throat infections requiring more rest and medications. The temperature variation in the morning and evening hours makes people susceptible to infections,” said Dr Shahid Barmare, consultant physician at Kohinoor hospital in Kurla.

However, doctors have warned patients against popping medicines indiscriminately. “The fluctuating weather resulting in ailments is affecting the quality of life. Patients need ample rest and have to miss work and school if need be instead of overlooking the problem,” said Dr Hemant Thacker, physician, Jaslok hospital.