Sudden variation in temperature poses health threats

Individuals need extra care to avoid problems

Rawalpindi

The incidence of fever and sore throat along with problems involving respiratory tract infections is on the rise among general population in this region of the country while chronic patients with allergy and asthmatic problems are also facing problems mainly because of sudden variations in temperature.

The allied hospitals in town including Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital are receiving significant number of patients including children with fever and upper respiratory tract infections. Majority of patients having complaints of dust allergy or asthma have also been facing complications because of high pollution level and the variation in temperature.

The HFH is receiving significant number of patients with seasonal ailments including fever and sore throat while number of patients with gastroenteritis is also on the rise, said Medical Superintendent at HFH Dr. Raja Shafiq Sarwar while talking to ‘The News’ on Wednesday.

He added that the typical allergy season has almost got off and the number of cases with pollen allergy is on decline. However, the number of cases with sore throat and fever is on the rise mainly because of carelessness by individuals, he said.

Dr. Shafiq said that by keeping environment of rooms clean, children and infants can be safeguarded from respiratory tract infections. “Of course, parents must have sufficient awareness on how to prevent their children from seasonal ailments and the problems, the sudden variation in temperature poses.”

Children should be given healthy diet and should not be allowed to use ice-cold water and cold drinks, he said.

With the rise in temperature, individuals started using cold water for drinking and despite the fall in temperature due to recent rain spells, majority of population continued the practice that caused increase in number of cases with problems involving respiratory tract infections, said Director Accident and Emergency Department at HFH Dr. Haroon Rashid.

The incidence of fever, sore throat and other upper respiratory tract infections is on the rise mainly because of the higher level of dust and smoke in the air and majority of patients suffering from these problems are those who have already complaints of dust allergy or asthma, he said.

He added that the patients of asthma or dust allergy should use mask these days to avoid complications. Majority of patients are suffering from complications because of the higher level of dust in the air and frequent changes in weather conditions, he said.

To avoid seasonal threats, people should use fans and air conditioners only if it is hot at night and should avoid extremely cold water and cold drinks, said Dr. Haroon. “The best option in the existing weather conditions is to use water at room temperature for drinking.”