Weather change leads to surge in hospitalisations for respiratory ailments
   Date :09-Apr-2024

Weather change 
 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
 
 
In a sudden turn of weather, the State capital has witnessed a significant change in weather conditions, leading to a surge in hospital admissions. The abrupt weather transition contributed by the unseasonal rain, amidst the month of April, has resulted in a rise in cases of respiratory illnesses such as cold, fever, and cough, prompting hospitals to experience overcrowding as the number of patients has almost tripled. Over the past few days the entire state, has observed fluctuations in weather patterns, marked by a decrease in temperatures. This anticipated change was already forecasted by the Meteorological Department. Consequently, both government and private hospitals in Bhopal have reported a notable increase in patient admissions across all healthcare facilities, including JP Hospital, Hamidia Hospital, AIIMS and other district hospitals.
 
According to the sources in JP Hospital alone, the number of patients seeking treatment for cold, fever, and cough has surged threefold in the past two days. Weather forecasts predict that Bhopal will continue to experience cold and hot temperatures for the next week, raising concerns that the influx of patients to hospitals might persist at the current rate. Anticipating the situation, hospital administrations have made necessary preparations to accommodate the rising number of patients, ensuring that adequate medical care is provided without any inconvenience. Adding to the concern, many patients have reported prolonged recovery periods for common ailments. Ajay Verma, a patient at JP Hospital, mentioned his month-long battle with cough, indicating that although the symptoms have subsided, complete recovery remains elusive. Similarly, a patient at Hamidia Hospital shared experiencing fever for over a week, with no specific diagnosis despite undergoing multiple tests, underscoring the prolonged recovery periods witnessed by individuals.
 
Reportedly, health experts attribute the extended recovery periods to various viruses causing colds, urging the public to adopt preventive measures. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to boost immunity. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits such as frequent hand-washing and refraining from touching the face can help prevent the spread of infections. For those already affected, health experts recommend several remedies at home such as inhaling steam and gargling with warm salt water to alleviate symptoms. Notably, the sudden weather change in the city has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, resulting in overcrowded hospitals and prolonged recovery periods for patients. While healthcare facilities seems to be prepared in handling the influx of cases, preventive measures and self-care practices are crucial in mitigating the impact of weather-related ailments on public health.