Breathing not easy as winter arrives
With the onset of winter, respiratory and throat problems like asthma, general cold and cough are common. Doctors say this year there will be added troubles due the prolonged foggy weather.
As the winter approaches, cough and flu make their way to our homes. The chilly winters can be a nightmare for those suffering from asthma and a small cold or a simple infection in the winters can set off major asthma episodes, said Dr Harnish Vohra, pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Hospital.
Dr Ashok Kumar from Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospital said winter is a festival season. “When pollution due to crackers, diyas and candles combines with heavy air of cold weather, asthma patients are more prone to attacks,” he said.
He added that even though Diwali is over, people continue to burst crackers, though occasionally, till New Year.
Doctors also say that one has to beware of cardiological problems.
A senior cardiologist from Guru Teg Bahadur hospital said the number of cases of heart attack and coronary artery disease increases substantially.
“This happens because the blood thickens in cold weather,” he said.
He said people suffering from diabetes should take extra precaution as chances of fluctuating blood pressure tend to increase. The doctors showed concern about continuing smog that has captured city's air for almost a month.
“Cases of cold and cough are not going down. People with no history of respiratory problems have also been complaining of sneezing and coughing. It is taking a week to 10 days to get fully cured, though usually a treatment of three days is enough. These are not good signs. The burden of all this will be carried into the winters too,” said Dr Kumar.
