No easy breathing

City docs report rise in number of upper respiratory tract infections among adults; say 30 out of 60 patients seen in OPD have been recently diagnosed

School With the change in weather conditions, health professionals are seeing a significant spurt in the number of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in the last week, with some even requiring admissions. Notably, the cases are seen in adults, with many having to skip their colleges or offices due to the infection.

According to Dr Brunda, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, the URTI cases have increased over the past week. “Thirty out of sixty patients seen in the OPD recently have been diagnosed with URTI, and it is noticed mainly among adults. Changing weather conditions are the key contributor to the sudden increase in URTI infections. These are common during the rainy and winter seasons, as this is the season when people spend more time indoors, coming into more contact with people.” However, there are several factors, such as chronic health conditions, weak immunity, smoking, and age. Children under the age of five and senior citizens are also susceptible to infection due to weak or developing immune systems, she added.

Some of the types of URTI are rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea, or windpipe), croup (a respiratory illness that causes a barking cough), pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, and epiglottitis. While the most common ones are common colds, sore throats, sinusitis, laryngitis, and epiglottitis, they are caused mainly by exposure to bacteria. Dr Anjali R Nath, Consultant Pulmonologist, SPARSH Hospital, said, “The increase in cases of URTI can be attributed to the changing seasons, which often lead to a higher incidence of exacerbations of pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma or COPD and allergic airway disease, along with viral infections. Viral infections are chiefly spread through respiratory droplets, contributing to notable community transmission.” She further explained that this surge is particularly affecting individuals with allergies and pre-existing respiratory conditions. Some cases progress to the extent of requiring hospital admissions, especially when upper respiratory infections escalate into pneumonia. Notably, H1N1 cases are on the rise, posing a more severe threat compared to other viral infections.

“We are also observing an increase in post-viral bronchitis, characterized by a lingering cough, sometimes lasting for weeks,” she added.

This apart, Dr Narendranath A, Consultant, ENT Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, disclosed that URTI can even progress to middle ear infection, causing severe pain. “A ventilation tube connects the middle ear to the back portion of your nose, called the ‘Eustachian tube’. Sometimes an infection from your nose or throat( cold or throat pain), i.e., URTI, can progress to a middle ear infection, causing severe ear pain, ear fullness, or blockage. If not treated at this stage, the eardrum can perforate, leading to ear discharge.”

She informed that they are seeing an increase in such cases due to delays in seeking medical care and inadequate control of URTI. Prompt treatment is required; otherwise, this can lead to recurring ear infections and decreased hearing in the future. This is more common in children, and we do see some cases in adults too.

The doctors pointed out that it is important for all age groups to take the flu vaccination once every year. Additionally, there is a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine recommended for individuals over 65 years of age and those with underlying lung conditions. These vaccines reduce the risk of infection and its severity.

Common symptoms

1. Fever over 101 degrees
2. Celsius
3. Flu-like symptoms
4. Runny nose
5. Cold
6. Throat infection
7. Severe cough
8. Sore throat
9. Difficulty breathing Chest pain

Preventive measures

1. Hydration
2. Proper nutrition
3. Adequate rest
4. Avoidance of unnecessary travel and large gatherings
5. Staying home when unwell helps prevent the spread of infections
6. Encompassing mask wearing
7. For individuals with underlying health conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, kidney issues, or cardiac problems, vaccination is strongly recommended