With the change in weather, medical emergencies seem to be on rise as the state witness increasing cases of breathlessness, high fever and headache.
According to the EMRI-108 data, there has been a significant jump in breathlessness cases by around 16 per cent from October to January, compared to the corresponding period the previous year. High fever cases have also gone up by almost 30 per cent in the state. Severe headache cases have also increased by around 12 per cent in Gujarat.
As per the data, the state recorded 36,560 cases of breathlessness in the last four months, while it was 31,555 for the corresponding period last year. For high fever, EMRI-108 registered 23,638 cases in the last four months, whereas it was 18,367 the previous year. For severe headaches, the emergency service agency recorded 4191 cases in Gujarat in the last four months, compared to 3753 cases of the last year in the same period.
The scene in Ahmedabad is no different. A significant surge in emergency cases has been registered for the same period. From October 2023 to January 2024, breathlessness, high fever and headache cases have risen by 10,502, 5987 and 2742 respectively.
Similarly, from October 2022 to January 2023 the cases for breathlessness, high fever and headache cases were 9642, 5618 and 2562 respectively.
According to physicians, children under-10 years of age and senior citizens are the most affected groups.
Dr Pragnesh Vachharajani, Secretary of Federation of Family Physicians Association of India, said, “Elderly and children below 10 are the most affected in this period, followed by people in their 30s and 40s.”
Citing reasons, he added, “Post COVID, the respiratory system has become sensitive due to the side effects, and recovery is taking longer than usual time.”
Family physicians also believe that the pollution is also adding to the problem.
In light of the double season and escalating air pollution levels in Ahmedabad, there has been a notable surge in cases of cold cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia, particularly among the children.
Dr Shweta Gargiya, an interventional pulmonologist, said, “The influx of patients, ranging from newborns to 12-year-olds, showing symptoms of cough and lung congestion, has been on the rise.” Dr Gargiya emphasizes the need for attention, noting that misconceptions about the severity of symptoms often delay crucial intervention, especially in younger children.
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