Srinagar, Nov 12: With the onset of winter, respiratory infections and pneumonia cases are expected to increase across Kashmir, with health experts urging people, particularly vulnerable groups, to take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of seasonal illnesses.
Dr Syed Mudasir Qadri, Professor of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine at SKIMS Soura, said that, as in other regions experiencing harsh winters, Kashmir also witnesses an increase in respiratory infections and pneumonia during the colder months.
Dr Qadri said people at the extremes of age, particularly children below five years and elderly persons above 65 years, are more vulnerable to respiratory infections and pneumonia.
He said patients suffering from chronic lung diseases and those with compromised immunity, including cancer patients, transplant recipients and people taking systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive medications, are also at increased risk of developing serious complications.
“During the winter season, we do see an increase in the inflow of patients with respiratory ailments in hospitals. However, the healthcare system tries its best to prepare for such eventualities well in advance,” he said.
Highlighting another major concern, Dr Qadri said indoor air pollution remains a significant contributor to respiratory complications, particularly among people living in rural and tribal areas where traditional heating arrangements are still widely used.
He said that although an increasing number of households are shifting towards modern heating systems such as electric hamams, electric radiators and air conditioners, a considerable population continues to depend on kangris, bukharis and coal- and wood-burning stoves.
According to him, smoke and pollutants generated by these traditional heating sources can aggravate existing respiratory conditions, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and asthma.
“People exposed to indoor air pollution are more likely to experience frequent exacerbations of chronic lung diseases, especially during winter when ventilation inside homes is often limited,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of prevention, Dr Qadri said that while improved transport facilities and increased awareness through social media have encouraged people to seek medical advice in a timely manner, greater attention needs to be paid to preventive healthcare.
He advised people to avoid overcrowded places, maintain a healthy diet, keep themselves adequately warm and limit outdoor exposure during periods of extreme cold, particularly during early mornings and evenings.
He also stressed the importance of timely vaccination, saying pneumococcal and influenza vaccines should be taken as prescribed by healthcare professionals, particularly by people belonging to high-risk groups.
“Prevention remains extremely important. People should follow medical advice, maintain healthy habits and ensure that recommended vaccinations are taken on time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Qadri said hospitals across Kashmir, including SKIMS Soura, undertake special winter preparedness measures to ensure that healthcare services remain functional and patients receive timely treatment during the cold season.
These preparations include reviewing the availability of medicines in hospital pharmacies, checking the functioning of ventilators and other intensive care facilities, ensuring adequate heating arrangements and stocking sufficient warm linen for patients.
“Such measures are taken in advance to ensure hospitals remain equipped to deal with the anticipated increase in respiratory and other winter-related ailments,” Dr Qadri said.
The expert urged people not to ignore persistent respiratory symptoms, particularly among children, elderly persons and patients with pre-existing medical conditions, and to seek medical attention without delay. (KNO)
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