Warm weather causing more infections: docs

The city’s high temperatures are taking a toll on the health of Mumbaiites, according to doctors, who are witnessing an increase in the number of patients complaining of upper respiratory infections such as asthma, pneumonia and sinusitis.

The city’s high temperatures are taking a toll on the health of Mumbaiites, according to doctors, who are witnessing an increase in the number of patients complaining of upper respiratory infections such as asthma, pneumonia and sinusitis.

HT Image

Dr Alan Soares a physician at Holy Spirit hospital, Andheri, has witnessed a 50% rise in patients complaining of upper respiratory infections. “Those who are already suffering from asthma and other lung infections should be cautious,” said Soares.

“The extreme day and night temperatures with people stepping in and out of air-conditioned rooms is adding to people’s health woes, as the body finds it difficult to adjust to such varying temperatures,” said a doctor from a public hospital.

Doctors are also seeing patients suffering from viral gastroenteritis as people tend to drink cool liquids or eat uncooked food because of the heat. “Parents especially should avoid taking children out in the afternoon as they easily get dehydrated. Special care should be taken that children are drinking enough fluids in such hot weather,” said Dr Sushant Mane, a lecturer at the paediatric medicine department, JJ Hospital.