Cold wave triggers spike in winter illnesses, caution advised
According to doctors, children are more vulnerable than adults during this time as their immune systems struggle to adapt to sudden temperature changes; hence, fever, cold, cough, breathing difficulties and allergy-related complications have become more common among children
Winter has intensified its grip across the country in recent days, with cold conditions worsening nationwide since the onset of the Bengali month of Poush.
With the cold wave, the prevalence of respiratory illnesses has increased in the capital and other parts of the country, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
Visits to Mugda Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) show a sharp rise in patients suffering from winter-related illnesses.
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Compared to regular days, patient numbers have increased significantly, with children, the elderly and those suffering from chest-related diseases accounting for the majority.
According to doctors, children are more vulnerable than adults during this time as their immune systems struggle to adapt to sudden temperature changes. Fever, cold, cough, breathing difficulties and allergy-related complications have become more common among children.
At the Paediatric Department of DMCH, it was observed that the number of children seeking treatment daily for fever, cold and pneumonia is nearly double the usual number.
Associate Professor Dr Md Abdul Kader of the department told BSS that most patients currently seeking treatment are suffering from cold-related illnesses.
Several children are also being admitted with pneumonia, and the number of such patients increases as winter intensifies, he added.
At the pneumonia ward of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, not a single bed was found vacant, while hundreds of children are visiting the outpatient department every day for treatment.
Doctors said that during winter, children suffer from various illnesses, including diarrhoea, cold, cough and breathing problems.
Due to the severe cold this year, cold-related diseases have increased two to three times. Most patients seeking treatment at hospitals and clinics are children, many of whom are affected by respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Cases of childhood asthma have also increased.
Prof Dr Probir Kumar Sarkar of the Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Pulmonology) Department at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute said the incidence of flu, cold, cough and pneumonia among children rises significantly during winter.
He stressed that parents must remain particularly cautious during this period. Antibiotics should not be used without a doctor's advice, as most winter illnesses are viral in nature, he said, adding that parents should seek immediate medical consultation if a child develops fever, cough or breathing difficulty.
He also said that while regular bathing is necessary, premature newborns should be bathed later and with extreme caution to prevent exposure to cold. Children should always be kept warm, he added.
Meanwhile, at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital in the capital, patients were seen crowding hospital premises, with patient pressure nearly doubling compared to normal times. Although many patients require admission, bed shortages are preventing it.
Acting Director of the hospital Dr Golam Sarwar Liaquat Hossain Bhuiyan said a large proportion of patients arriving with respiratory problems are suffering from asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis.
"With the intensification of winter across the country, such patients are increasing. Overall patient pressure has nearly doubled compared to usual times," he said.
He noted that the number of child patients is relatively low, with most patients being middle-aged and elderly.
