Hyderabad City witnessing spurt in respiratory cases

Hyderabad: The city is witnessing 60-70% increase in people suffering from respiratory illnesses, say city doctors. Medicos are urging citizens not to treat cough in isolation and suggest consulting physicians. The doctors say most of the viral illnesses such as coughing and sneezing might lead to serious illness like Rhinitis, Asthma, Allergic Bronchitis and COPD.

The doctors are stressing on rapidly spreading 'Influenza' commonly known as flu, which is one of the most contagious respiratory illness of the monsoon season. The common symptoms of flu are dry persistent cough, sore throat, headache and fever.

"Patients are coming to the clinic with severe dry cough, fever and breathing difficulties, depending on the stages of the flu. We are also witnessing more female patients with respiratory problems as compared to men. 60% of patients' visiting us are females. Medicine for the respiratory illness should only be taken under medical supervision," said Dr Kiran Grandhi, Consultant Pulmonologist, Sai Siddhartha Chest Hospital.

The monsoon season is directly associated with an increase in respiratory problems. Patients suffering with cough and breathing difficulties are the majority listed cases in the city hospital.

"Patients and their caregivers should consult a chest specialist if the patient is experiencing cough beyond 1-2 weeks, so the underlying cause of cough could be timely diagnosed," said Dr B Shyam Sunder Raj, pulmonologist, Chairman and Managing Director, Sreshta Chest Hospital.