According to medical experts, during the winter season there has been an increase in cases of patients being brought dead to major public hospitals in Karachi, with the majority of the deceased being elderly citizens.
Initial medical assessments suggest that the possible causes of these deaths are heart attacks and strokes, while due to weather changes, air pollution and viral infections, both the number and severity of patients with breathing issues, chest problems and flu have increased significantly in emergency departments.
In this regard, Civil Hospital Karachi Emergency Incharge Dr Imran Sarwar said that with the change in weather, a noticeable rise in viral infection cases is being observed in Karachi. He said that a large number of patients suffering from cold, flu, cough, respiratory tract and lung infections, pneumonia and other illnesses are coming to emergency departments, while old patients with respiratory diseases are being brought in critical condition.
He said that the condition of some patients is extremely serious and they have to be admitted to the hospital immediately. He added that compared to last year, there has been a clear increase in the flow of such cases this year, one major reason being public negligence.
He said that cases are also being seen where the flu gets better but the cough does not subside for two months, raising fears of a serious respiratory disease. According to him, patient history shows that either they did not complete the full course of asthma medication or stopped antibiotics midway.
He warned that unnecessary use of antibiotics or not completing the prescribed course leads to antibiotic resistance, making treatment more complicated.
He further said that in winter, blood vessels constrict and blood circulation towards the heart decreases. Cases of stroke and heart attacks increase during cold weather. Attendants often report that the patient was fine at night and suddenly deteriorated in the morning and died. Such sudden deaths increase due to narrowing of coronary arteries.
He advised that anyone suffering from cough, cold or phlegm should keep distance from others. He also advised wearing warm clothes, drinking herbal tea or green tea, and maintaining social distancing at workplaces as well.
