Cold-related illness in children rising
The number of children with cold-related diseases is increasing at hospitals in Chattogram as the season is changing.
Respective wards at the healthcare facilities are dealing with paediatric patients beyond their capacity, said sources.
During a recent visit to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Khadiza Akhter from Banshkhali upazila was seen tending to her four-month-old daughter Rosy at the child health ward. The infant was struggling to breathe. "My daughter has been suffering from breathing problems since November 15," said the mother.
Bappi Ghosh took her 26-day-old son Rajib from Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital to CMCH with similar breathing problems. Eight-month-old Sujit was taking saline on a bed at the hospital. His mother Jharna Dutta said her son he has been wheezing for four days.
Many like Rosy, Rajib and Sujit have been suffering from various cold-related diseases in the region.
According to CMCH authorities, the number of patients suffering from such conditions has been increasing since early November. More than 6,000 people received treatment at the outpatient department, and of them, around 45 percent were children.
Prof AKM Rezaul Karim, head of child health ward, said, "Infants and young children are vulnerable to cold-borne diseases -- including pneumonia and bronchiolitis during late autumn and winter."
Dr Rezaul said over 450 patients were undergoing treatment at the ward, which has the capacity for 120 patients.
Of the admitted patients, two-third was suffering from cold-borne diseases, he said.
Contacted, Dr Nasir Uddin Mahmud, a former professor of the paediatrics department, said bronchiolitis is a viral respiratory disease, and one of the main treatments is administering oxygen, which is not possible at home.
So, parents should immediately take their children to hospital if they start having breathing problems.
A similar situation was seen at the city's Chattogram Ma o Shishu General Hospital.
Prof Mahmud A Chowdhury Arju, head of the paediatrics department there, said usually 80 to 100 patients are admitted there, but now, the number has increased to 300.
Of the patients, 60 percent are suffering from pneumonia, he said.
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