GCC13 November 20153 min read

Chances of lung infection during seasonal changes

By Mohammed Zafran/NOB, zafran@dt.bh. Chances of developing severe respiratory allergies and lung infections is higher during seasonal changes and dusty and unstable weather conditions as flu and allergic reactions become more common, according to an expert. Catching a common cold may be among the main worries during

Editorial Team Legacy

Published 13 November 2015, 8:00 · Updated 22:15

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Chances of lung infection during seasonal changes

Chances of developing severe respiratory allergies and lung infections is higher during seasonal changes and dusty and unstable weather conditions as flu and allergic reactions become more common, according to an expert.

Catching a common cold may be among the main worries during the unstable and dusty weather conditions. However, according to Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) ENT Specialist Dr Avneesh Kumar, there is also a higher risk of developing viral lung infections during these times.

In an interview to NOB on the RBH premises yesterday, Dr Kumar said he had seen an increased number of cases of viral pneumonia.

“During this seasonal change, I see more viral pneumonia cases. Many of my patients who came with common flu like symptoms were also detected with pneumonic patch in their lungs. Apart from the usual flu symptoms these patients have severe cough and high-grade fever which does not touch baseline despite round-the- clock intravenous paracetamol injections at least for the first 24 to 48 hours,” he said, adding, “now that the weather is changing some viruses are pretty strong”.

When asked how to know who will get a severe viral lung infection, Dr Kumar explained that it usually depended on the virulence of the pathogen and also on the host immunity.

“Some viruses are highly virulent, for example, H1N1, and MERS/corona which can have detrimental effect on our respiratory system.

“Host factors are also important to consider. For example, a child less than two years of age, pregnant ladies, elderly people with systemic conditions such as diabetes.”

“These host factors make them liable to severe infections and are more prone to develop complications if not treated on time.”

He noted that the hospital has witnessed an increased number of viral respiratory infections, including H1N1 cases recently, with up to 5-6 positive cases on certain days.

“However, all the patients were managed well and although H1N1 has hype about it, most patients recover from it as easily as any other viral influenza,” he said.

Maintain Healthy Habits

American Mission Hospital General Practitioner Dr Babu Ramachandran advised that maintaining healthy habits such as drinking adequate warm fluids and taking the necessary rest could help immensely in overcoming a flu.

He stressed that if such remedies did not have any effect, a visit to the doctor should follow.

“Every year, during the seasonal change of weather, these infections are common. It is nothing to be worried about. If you are affected by it, drink plenty of warm liquids, take rest and go to the doctor if necessary. If you have fever, keep away from the office because it could spread to others,” Dr Babu Ramachandran said.

Dr Avneesh Kumar and Dr Babu Ramachandran

Chances of lung infection during seasonal changes

Editorial Team Legacy

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