The severe cold wave now sweeping the country is causing serious cold-related diseases as many people, mostly children and aged people, are falling sick every day. Patients with cold-related diseases are getting admitted at different government and non-government hospitals in capital Dhaka and other parts of the country during the period.
A moderate cold wave with mercury dipping fast has been sweeping the district for the past seven days, according to the Met office. The number of patients, largely children, has started rising with the fall in mercury, forcing the hospital authorities to form additional medical teams on Friday to tackle the situation. Patients are suffering from different ailments, including diarrhoea, pneumonia and asthma.
Common people are seen dressed in warm clothes while many of them sit around fires. The number of patients in medicine and pediatric departments has been increasing since the onset of winter. In the next three days, temperature will increase and the intensity of winter will increase at the same time. The Department of Meteorology has predicted that temperature will increase further in the next few days. In addition, the dense fog will cause more darkness in the northwest of the country.
In capital Dhaka, the number of cold affected patients has increased in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Mitford Hospital, Children's Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital. Assistant Professor of Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Kabir Ahmed said that due to climate change, people may experience cold, fever, cold and cough. Moreover, those who have previously had asthma or chest diseases will have more problems.
However, this cold fever lasts for 2 to 3 days. Taking medicine and ample rest on the advice of a doctor will cure them faster, he added. On the other hand, meteorologist Abdul Mannan said cold wave started to pour into the capital, including the northwestern region of the country since midnight on Tuesday. But, temperature has dropped steadily in almost all parts of the country on Wednesday (November 19th) compared to last Tuesday.
Meteorologist Mannan also said, winter seems strong because of the wind. Cold air will remain for three more days. The weather will continue like this until December 21st. About 100 children have been admitted to Dhaka Children's Hospital with pneumonia and diarrhea in the last seven days. Dhaka Children's Hospital Hospital’s Abdul Aziz said, “The winter is going to have an impact after three or four days. The elderly people and children are more prone to these diseases, so special attention must be paid to them. Room heaters can be used to keep the room warm. Moreover, if you are suffering from the disease, you must consult a doctor. ”
In the last two days, the number of children infected with colds at Dhaka Children's Hospital has increased two to three times the normal time. Among those admitted during this period, the number of people suffering from respiratory distress, diarrhea and pneumonia is high. The worst sufferers are the newborn or one to one and a half month old babies. It is also accompanied with other diseases including fever. Doctors said that it was not possible for all to be admitted to hospitals due to accommodation crisis. They advised children not to go out, take special care including wearing warm clothes.
Ahmed Khan, a Professor of Pediatrics at Community Based Medical College (CBMC) said, Winter is not the cause of Asthma but during winter, dust, fog and pollens are abundant and they aggravate Asthma attack. Chronic cough, wheezing, respiratory distress, chest tightness may need immediate treatment for relief.
Cleaning used clothes with soap water and ironing them properly reduces the spread of the disease, he added. In addition to taking care of children, he also said teach them to maintain personal hygiene. Ask them to make a habit of washing hands. Breast milk, vaccination and proper nutrition are important to prevent many diseases. The meteorological department says such a mild cold stream may last for two to three days.