Drop in temperature coupled with long dry spell and dust has led to an upsurge in respiratory infections in the capital.
The capital has witnessed a 25 per cent increase in the number of respiratory tract infections compared to the previous year.
Dr Asadullah Nemati, a senior physician at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), said the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD) and the emergency ward were receiving more patients with respiratory infections.
He said many patients had developed pneumonia due to the long dry spell and air pollution. “On average, around 10 patients are being diagnosed with pneumonia every day, which they developed due to prolonged lower respiratory tract infections,” he said.
People who burn wood and coal for cooking or heating purposes at their homes were more vulnerable to respiratory infections, the doctor said. Cold rooms or taking bath with cold water can also cause the infections.
Polyclinic hospital emergency ward in-charge Dr Tanveer Malik said the cases of respiratory infections were on the rise with falling temperature. He said the hospital’s emergency was “flooded” with such patients round the clock.
Mercury dropped to zero degrees Celsius in Islamabad on Thursday night, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Dr Khalid Mahmood, a director at PMD, said that temperature could drop below zero in coming days. He said the current temperature in the city was below average and was expected to continue till first week of January.
Mahmood said there was no chance of rain in December. However, a few showers were expected in January, and heavy rainfall was likely in February and March.
“The winter this year started late and will end late.” He said the long dry spell could cause chest infections and allergies.
Polyclinic facing gas shortage
Meanwhile, the officials at Polyclinic said the hospital was facing difficulties due to gas shortage.
“We are using electric heaters and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to keep the wards warm and to prepare meal for the patients,” said an official.
Dr Tanveer Malik, who is also the hospital’s spokesperson, said that it becomes difficult for the hospital during winter to provide warm environment to patients, especially during the rush days like these. He said electric heaters and LPG cylinders are not only expensive but are also risky.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2014.
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