Pune: The ongoing fluctuations in temperature that rise visibly during the day compared to the early morning and late evening chill are coinciding with an uptick in respiratory illnesses among the city’s children.
Dr Tushar Parikh, senior consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, told TOI, “During the cold season, children can be impacted common colds, coughs, and fever.Bronchiolitis affects many infants and toddlers, with inflammation of small airways in the lungs (bronchioles) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It spreads via droplets from a cough or sneeze and initiates a runny nose, fever, and wheezing. We are also seeing cases of adenovirus and influenza group of viruses. Pneumonia inflames one or both lung air sacs with fluid or pus, leading to huge breathing difficulty.”
He added, “It could be bacteria, viruses, or fungi that bring about flu. During winter, increased indoor activity can facilitate spread within families, causing more severe pneumonia in kids. Asthmatic flare-ups due to cold weather make breathing hard.”
Attesting to the ongoing rise, Dr Sudha Desai, internal medicine consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, said, “The rise in respiratory illnesses among children in Pune is by 40-50% compared to the summer months. RSV, influenza, and rhinovirus are the main culprits. The cool and damp weather in the city right now is ideal for the spread of viruses causing common cold, mumps, rubella, and measles, and now even pneumonia.”
She also pointed at post-pandemic factors. “Infections prevented by vaccination and common viruses are now sending children to neonatal ICUs. Adenovirus, which typically causes mild colds, can now lead to pneumonia and other serious complications in kids. The two-year lockdown disrupted routine immunizations, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. There is a 25% increase in flu-like illnesses compared to last year,” she said.
Dr Sachin Shah, director, neonatal and paediatric intensive care services, Surya Hospitals, said, “The most vulnerable group is kids with underlying allergies, who bear the brunt of pollutants. Many have increased inhaler usage. A 30-40% surge in OPD numbers is seen. Air pollution has also led to a rise in skin allergies, causing eczema, rashes, and other inflammatory conditions. We need to address air pollution and its effects on public health.”
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Dr Tushar Parikh, senior consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, told TOI, “During the cold season, children can be impacted common colds, coughs, and fever.Bronchiolitis affects many infants and toddlers, with inflammation of small airways in the lungs (bronchioles) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It spreads via droplets from a cough or sneeze and initiates a runny nose, fever, and wheezing. We are also seeing cases of adenovirus and influenza group of viruses. Pneumonia inflames one or both lung air sacs with fluid or pus, leading to huge breathing difficulty.”
He added, “It could be bacteria, viruses, or fungi that bring about flu. During winter, increased indoor activity can facilitate spread within families, causing more severe pneumonia in kids. Asthmatic flare-ups due to cold weather make breathing hard.”
Attesting to the ongoing rise, Dr Sudha Desai, internal medicine consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, said, “The rise in respiratory illnesses among children in Pune is by 40-50% compared to the summer months. RSV, influenza, and rhinovirus are the main culprits. The cool and damp weather in the city right now is ideal for the spread of viruses causing common cold, mumps, rubella, and measles, and now even pneumonia.”
She also pointed at post-pandemic factors. “Infections prevented by vaccination and common viruses are now sending children to neonatal ICUs. Adenovirus, which typically causes mild colds, can now lead to pneumonia and other serious complications in kids. The two-year lockdown disrupted routine immunizations, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. There is a 25% increase in flu-like illnesses compared to last year,” she said.
Dr Sachin Shah, director, neonatal and paediatric intensive care services, Surya Hospitals, said, “The most vulnerable group is kids with underlying allergies, who bear the brunt of pollutants. Many have increased inhaler usage. A 30-40% surge in OPD numbers is seen. Air pollution has also led to a rise in skin allergies, causing eczema, rashes, and other inflammatory conditions. We need to address air pollution and its effects on public health.”
We also published the following articles recently
Pneumonia cases in AIIMS-Delhi have no link with China respiratory infections cases: Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that the pneumonia cases at AIIMS Delhi are unrelated to the recent increase in respiratory infections among children in China. The ministry dismissed media reports suggesting a connection between the two and emphasized that the cases were identified during an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi. The ministry also stated that there has been no detection of Mycoplasma pneumonia in the samples examined at AIIMS Delhi. The Union Health Ministry maintains regular communication with state health authorities and monitors the situation daily.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that the pneumonia cases at AIIMS Delhi are unrelated to the recent increase in respiratory infections among children in China. The ministry dismissed media reports suggesting a connection between the two and emphasized that the cases were identified during an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi. The ministry also stated that there has been no detection of Mycoplasma pneumonia in the samples examined at AIIMS Delhi. The Union Health Ministry maintains regular communication with state health authorities and monitors the situation daily.
Chinas respiratory illness surge: What's happening on the ground?
Republican senators, including Marco Rubio, called for a travel ban between the United States and China due to the increase in respiratory illnesses. The World Health Organization requested more information from China regarding unexplained pneumonia clusters in children. The Biden administration is monitoring the situation but sees no link between the respiratory illnesses in China and those seeking care in US emergency departments. The surge in illnesses in China is attributed to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the spread of pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, RSV, and adenovirus. Experts are not overly concerned, as similar increases in respiratory diseases have been observed after easing pandemic measures.
Republican senators, including Marco Rubio, called for a travel ban between the United States and China due to the increase in respiratory illnesses. The World Health Organization requested more information from China regarding unexplained pneumonia clusters in children. The Biden administration is monitoring the situation but sees no link between the respiratory illnesses in China and those seeking care in US emergency departments. The surge in illnesses in China is attributed to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the spread of pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, RSV, and adenovirus. Experts are not overly concerned, as similar increases in respiratory diseases have been observed after easing pandemic measures.
Best Respiratory Supplements To Support Lung Health
This article discusses the importance of respiratory health and the need for robust lung function. It provides insights into the best respiratory supplements to support lung health. The article emphasizes the significance of choosing supplements with key ingredients such as antioxidants, herbal extracts, and anti-inflammatory substances. It also highlights the importance of considering the composition, natural vs synthetic ingredients, specific needs, dosage, and form when selecting respiratory supplements. The article then presents a list of some of the best respiratory supplements available online, along with their prices and ratings. It provides expert opinions on each supplement, highlighting their unique features and benefits for respiratory health.
This article discusses the importance of respiratory health and the need for robust lung function. It provides insights into the best respiratory supplements to support lung health. The article emphasizes the significance of choosing supplements with key ingredients such as antioxidants, herbal extracts, and anti-inflammatory substances. It also highlights the importance of considering the composition, natural vs synthetic ingredients, specific needs, dosage, and form when selecting respiratory supplements. The article then presents a list of some of the best respiratory supplements available online, along with their prices and ratings. It provides expert opinions on each supplement, highlighting their unique features and benefits for respiratory health.
