KOLKATA: The city’s foul air is responsible for triggering obstinate bouts of cough-and-cold and upper respiratory tract infections that are taking longer to get cured. Even though temperature fluctuations trigger common cold
at the start of winter, infections have been more severe and recovery time longer this year, point out doctors. School-going children have been the worst sufferers since most have to venture out early in the morning when pollution level is high.
“We have a common cold epidemic this time. Every second child has been infected and pollution is responsible for this. While previously it would take 2-3 days to recover, this time the recovery period is often being stretched to a week. And since children are affected, it’s being easily transmitted through schools,” said paediatrician Santanu Ray.
Presence of pollutants like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide is substantially higher in the early hours and exposure to these could be harmful, said experts. “As the pollution level rises, the concentration of these gases will rise, too. Children are the first to be exposed to these and the result is there for all to see. But the recovery time depends on individual immunity. So, while infections have been rampant this season, treatment remains the same,” said consultant Arindam Biswas.
Respiratory allergies have made the common cold more severe this time. Cough has been frequently accompanied by sneezing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Due to their lower immunity, children and the elderly have been finding it difficult to cope. “Those with existing respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma
have been badly affected. They have lower immunity and have been catching cold easily. The latter, in turn, has been aggravating the more serious existing illness,” said AMRI Hospital consultant Debashish Saha.
Masks should be used to ward off the foul air, especially early in the morning, felt Biswas. “It need not be an M95 mask that is the most effective. Any ordinary mask will act as a barrier. Children should definitely be made to wear them. The elderly suffering from COPD, asthma and cardiac patients should also wear them,” said Saha.