Why has Mumbai seen an increase in upper respiratory tract illnesses?

In addition to rising temperatures, the city is seeing an upsurge in upper respiratory tract illnesses among all age categories. Doctors believe that the rapid rise in temperatures, along with pollution, is a key role in the increase in cases, but that is because the symptoms are similar to Covid. You can simply reduce the risk of infection if you wear a mask and adopt Covid-appropriate behavior.

The most common sickness in humans is upper respiratory tract infection (URI), sometimes known as the “common cold.” Nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing, sore throat, and cough are the most common symptoms of URI. A low-grade fever is varied and more prevalent in youngsters than in adults. Despite the illness’s benign aspect, URIs impose a significant economic impact on society in terms of prescriptions, visits to physicians and other healthcare providers, and absenteeism. 

Young children have 6–8 URIs on average per year, while adults have 2–4 URIs. The incidence of URI has a distinct seasonal fluctuation. The highest incidence rates are recorded in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere during the fall and winter seasons. Most URIs arise during the rainy season in tropical nations.

According to Dr. Sujit Chatterjee Hiranandani Hospital, URIs are often self-limiting infections restricted to the upper respiratory tract, but the viral infection can spread to other organs, resulting in a variety of clinical symptoms. Viral URIs may also put you at risk for bacterial problems.

Recent research has shown that paranasal sinuses are often damaged during URI, and most sinus abnormalities are no indications of a real bacterial infection, but rather are part of the natural history of URI.

Dr. Hemant Thacker, a general physician who works at many south Mumbai institutions, including Breach Candy and Bhatia Hospital, says that while instances affect people of all ages, older residents are particularly vulnerable. “Furthermore, new varieties are appearing in China and Africa at the moment, so Covid-19 remains a source of worry,” Dr. Thacker added.

Mumbai has been experiencing above-average temperatures on most days since the changeover season from winter to summer began this month. The city had the highest maximum temperature in Maharashtra on multiple occasions. In reality, Mumbai witnessed one severe heatwave day last week, with daytime temperatures reaching 39.6 degrees Celsius – the highest so far this summer – followed by three heatwave days.

Dr. Swapnil Mehta, the lung medicine physician at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital Kidney Transplant in Powai, stated that their outpatient department has seen a 30-40% increase in patients. People are commonly getting a fever, common cold,, and cough. The increase in upper respiratory tract infections can be ascribed to weather changes, which cause an increase in viral infections, which can be more severe in individuals with sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other conditions. 

According to Dr. Prashant Chhajed, director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, patients prone to allergic rhinitis and asthma are having recurring episodes.

“Asthma patients are suffering from a fever, a cough, and wheezing. Coughing and wheezing continue, and they frequently require higher medicine doses, such as inhalers and nebulizers, in addition to the antibiotic course,” he explained.

According to Dr. Pratit Samdani, internal medicine specialist at Breach Candy Hospital, many people have runny noses, sinus problems, and postnasal drip, which causes extra mucus at the back of the nose and neck, prompting a persistent need to clean the throat.

“It is important to remain hydrated, but avoid drinking chilly water or juice outside.” “As far as possible, one should avoid significant temperature changes,” Dr. Samdani said.

Doctors also counseled Covid-19 on proper behaviors like mask use and hand cleanliness. One should follow proper Covid-19 behavior. This will help you to prevent respiratory infections.