Pulmonologists and respiratory specialists in Bengaluru are reporting a sharp rise in respiratory infections following the recent festive weekend, with a significant increase in both outpatient visits and hospital admissions. Experts attribute this surge to multiple factors, including high pollution levels in the city and the ongoing threat of the H1N1 influenza virus.
Dr. Sameer Bansal, a consultant pulmonologist, noted that the city is witnessing the fourth or fifth wave of infections this year, with a particularly notable rise in H1N1 cases. He pointed to the combination of deteriorating air quality, climate change, and increased social activity during the festive season as key contributors. His clinic has seen a 150% increase in patients compared to the same period last year.
The pollution spike on Saturday evening, as indicated by the Air Quality Index (AQI), was a major concern, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and COPD. Dr. Majeed Pasha highlighted that exposure to firecracker smoke and pollutants aggravated respiratory symptoms, especially for vulnerable groups.
Dr. Nagaraja C from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases warned that cases could continue to rise, especially among the elderly and those with asthma. The Health Department has reported nearly 7,000 cases of severe acute respiratory infections this year, with 1,787 of those in Bengaluru, including 564 reported in October alone. Doctors stressed the importance of regular vaccinations against H1N1 to mitigate the risks.
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