Chest infection becomes common among children & elderly people in winter season
Wednesday, 13 December 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Elderly people and children should take certain precautions in order to prevent chest infections, particularly during the winter season. According to experts, chest infections become more prevalent during this time. Those with conditions such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure are more susceptible to chest infections. Neglecting this condition can ultimately lead to pneumonia, the doctors said.
According to the senior physician at the district hospital Dr Pravin Panwar, chest infections along with various other viral infections become more common during the winter season. “The decrease in air moisture during this time contributes to the spread of these viral infections, especially among children and the elderly. Further, fluctuations in temperature can also result in chest infections. Additionally, individuals with asthma and diabetes are at a higher risk of developing chest infections.
In order to prevent the spread of infections among elderly individuals, it is advised that they abstain from going out for morning walks and wear full sleeves and properly cover themselves. It is also crucial to seek timely treatment for chest infections, as this can help prevent cases of pneumonia, particularly among children and the elderly,” he added.
Talking to this correspondent, physician at the CMI Hospital Dr Anshika Jain said, “During the winter season, chest infections, cold and cough are common occurrences. However, it is true that the cases of chest infections tend to increase in winter, especially among individuals with underlying conditions like asthma. Asthma exacerbations often lead to chest infections.”
Jain further said that these infections are more prevalent among children and the elderly. To combat this, individuals should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and maintain a balanced diet that includes the addition of dry fruits, as this can help in overcoming chest infections, she said.
