Weather taking a toll on health

Hyderabad: While the rains bring respite from the sweltering heat it also is leading to pre-monsoon outbreak of diseases which was not seen earlier. Thunderstorms and sudden rains are adding to the health issues of the citizens. Respiratory diseases, flu and headaches are on the increase.

Dr Hari Kishan, general physician at Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are seeing a lot of respiratory illness after these thunderstorms. The pollution and particulate matter in the air is causing allergy.”

He said the sudden change in weather was affecting those with a history of headache.

Doctors state that summer is otherwise a healthy season where common cold and flu is not generally seen. But the erratic weather conditions which was witnessed only in May in other years, has been evident from March onwards this year.

Dr B. Raju, general physician, explained, “An episode of thundershower and rains brings patients after three to four days, with flu like symptoms or cold. The problems of nausea and loose motions are also seen in those who are eating out too much.”

Dr G.K. Shanker, senior general physician said, “This summer the cases of dehydration are less. What we are seeing is an outbreak of flu and respiratory attacks in asthmatics who were otherwise considered safe in summers.”