Winter diseases take a toll on people. How are hospitals coping?

Although Dhaka's cold intensity remains low, other parts of the country are experiencing a wave of harsh cold, leading to a surge of winter-related illnesses affecting both children and the elderly.

Over the last one and half months, a total of 99,517 people have been hospitalised due to winter-related illnesses like pneumonia, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diarrhoea. Among them, 31 people died, as per the Directorate General of Health Services.

To support affected patients, the Health Directorate has taken the initiative to supply adequate nebulizers and oxygen to hospitals.

Doctors' advice amid rising cases

Doctors explained that winter typically worsens flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhoea cases. The combination of falling humidity levels and increasing dust in the air exacerbates these conditions.

Medical professionals are urging guardians to be vigilant and ensure children stay protected against winter colds. Additionally, they recommend that people with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) receive flu vaccines as a precaution.

Prof Mahbubul Hoque, director of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, told TBS, "Compared to previous years, pneumonia and cold-related diarrhoea cases have risen significantly. The outpatient department is also seeing an increase in cold, cough, and asthma patients."

Regarding rising patient numbers, Prof Mahbub added, "If the number of patients continues to rise, we will consider expanding bed capacity."

He further advised, "When taking children outside, ensure they wear masks to protect from dust. Signs of pneumonia include frequent breathing, rib retraction, fever, noisy breathing, or vomiting. If observed, consult a doctor immediately. For cold diarrhoea, give oral saline."

Hospital pressure mounts

At Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, the pneumonia ward, with only 20 beds, has been fully occupied as of Sunday. Pneumonia patients are now also being admitted to other wards. In the first 14 days of December alone, 80 children were admitted with pneumonia.

Dr Dabir Ahmed, chief executive officer at Ashulia Women and Children Hospital told TBS, "We are seeing more pneumonia, whooping cough, and asthma cases. Children are mostly suffering from pneumonia and diarrhoea, while asthma is more common in adults."

"Additionally, the Elevated Expressway construction in Ashulia is increasing dust, leading to a rise in asthma and allergy-related issues," he added. 

Dr Eshita Biswas, Associate Professor at Dhaka National Medical College Hospital told TBS, "The hospitals and private clinics report more COPD, influenza, asthma, and pneumonia cases. Everyone should wear masks while go outside."

Regional hotspots for winter illnesses

According to DGHS data, the Chattogram division has experienced the highest number of winter-related disease cases, with 25,249 affected. Mymensingh division has reported 13 deaths so far, the highest in any division.

Mymensingh Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammod Nazrul Islam told TBS, "The cold wave has intensified in Mymensingh. Many patients are hospitalised late, resulting in a rise in deaths from winter-related illnesses. We are issuing warnings to the public about pneumonia symptoms, other winter diseases, and what to do if they fall ill."

Health directorate steps in

Dr Moinul Ahsan, director (hospitals and clinics) told TBS that the Health Directorate is set to issue guidelines for hospitals on 17 December to manage the pressure of patients with winter-related diseases. Broken windows of all hospitals will also be repaired, gaps sealed to save patients from cold. 

The authorities will also ensure adequate supply of nebulizers, oxygen and blankets to hospitals, he added.