Respiratory infections in monsoon

Jun 2, 2018

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and a relief from scorching heat along with it also brings many cases of monsoon illness like cold & cough, severe respiratory infections and increasing hospitalizations. Taking suitable precautions and staying informed are among the best ways to avoid monsoon-related ailments.

Some of the most common monsoon disease are viral fever, common cold, cough, pneumonia, malaria, dengue, typhoid etc. The viral infections are high in monsoons due to damp and humid weather, which is a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Patients with pre-existing respiratory diseases such as Asthma and COPD are also more prone to respiratory exacerbations requiring treatment escalation and sometimes even hospitalizations due to pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, which may be mild or high, shaking chills, and shortness of breath or wheezes. Additional symptoms include sharp pain in chest, headache, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, especially in older people.

Dr. Pankaj Chhabra, Consultant Pulmonologist said “patients with pre-existing respiratory disease such as asthma are more prone to have worsening of symptoms during rainy season. Maintenance of proper hygiene, good compliance with medicines and proper vaccination can safeguard the patients from the complications of respiratory infections in upcoming monsoon season.