Mixed weather increases array of seasonal diseases in Telangana

Hyderabad: The erratic weather this summer — a combination of extreme heat, humidity and rains — has become conducive for an array of heat and humidity-induced diseases and illnesses, doctors said.

While heat-related illnesses continue to be reported, rains have brought with them vector-borne diseases and infections ahead of time. Respiratory tract illnesses and allergies are also on the rise over the past month due to extreme weather changes.

Dr Somnath Gupta, a consultant physician and diabetologist with a private hospital, said, “Any extreme changes in weather, such as high levels of temperature and humidity or sudden rains, can aggravate allergic airway diseases like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, pollen allergies such as hay fever, mold spores and asthma can also be triggered due to extreme dry weather. Moreover, sudden rains can also lead to constriction of airways and cause respiratory tract diseases.”

Heat-induced illnesses like UTI, dehydration, kidney and acute gastrointestinal illnesses continue to rise due to constant temperature fluctuations, mostly affecting people with comorbid conditions like cardiac issues, diabetes and renal issues, hypertension, chronic lung diseases, as well as children in the age group of fewer than five years and adults above 50 years of age.

Dr Apoorva Munigela, MD, internal medicine at a renowned hospital, said, “Heat exposure can be harmful in many ways. There are four stages of illnesses due to heat exposure — heat edema, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat edema can lead to rashes and prickly heat, while heat cramps are more common in people exposed to extreme heat and heat exhaustion leads to increase in core body temperatures and the heat strokes can cause loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting and lead to death if untreated.”

Dr Rajendra Prasad, professor of medicine at a government hospital, said that instances of heat strokes increased in the past two weeks and 90 per cent of patients were complaining of heat-induced illnesses.

Doctors also raised concern over an increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, filariasis and other viral fevers, which are more common in monsoon.

“These weather conditions were most suitable for adeno rhinovirus that causes cold and flu infections, as conditions are very much feasible for varied viruses to multiply and spread rapidly. We have also seen malaria and dengue cases on a rise, which is very unlikely in summer. It has become important to take extra precautions before the monsoon starts,” said Dr Somnath Gupta.

Doctors advised precautionary measures, such as hydration, hand hygiene, self-isolation in case of viral infections and seeking timely advice from doctors.