DAMMAM: The sudden dip in temperature in the Eastern Province has landed many people, particularly children, in hospitals with winter illnesses. Colds and influenza are the most common forms of contagious diseases reported at various hospitals. Emergency rooms of most of the hospitals in the Eastern Province are full with patients of all ages undergoing treatment. People suffering from sinusitis and asthma are troubled further with the cold weather. Increased cases of bronchitis, viral flu and a few cases of pneumonia have also been reported at some Eastern Province hospitals. Dr. V.S. Jyothi, ENT Specialist of Badr Al-Rabie Dispensary, told Saudi Gazette that he has been getting many cases of sinusitis over the last few days. “It is very common at this time of the year and children are more vulnerable to winter diseases. Most of the cases are sinus related ailments, with throat and ear infections. When there is inflammation in the mucous membranes, excess mucous is produced which blocks the sinus passages and the patient then suffers from pain and pressure at the sinus points. This is common now due to the cold weather. When cold air passes through the nose, the membranes get inflated,” he said. Jyothi said that people should take precautionary measures like regular steam inhalation. “Unlike summer, people tend to drink less fluid in winter. This is not good. They should drink plenty of lukewarm water in winter, just like in summer. Also, it is advisable to cover properly while outdoors, especially for children, and regular plain steam inhalation is good as well,” he said. Dr. Thafheem Fathima, a general physician of Dar As-Sihha Polyclinic in Dammam, said that she has been getting a lot of patients with viral flu and a few cases of pneumonia have also been reported. “The sudden change of weather has triggered many diseases. Viral flu is the most common. I have been receiving patients with severe cough, bronchitis and sometimes asthma. It is quite common at this time of the year and I advise people to avoid the open air when it is very windy,” she said. One of the leading pediatricians in Al-Khobar told Saudi Gazette that children under the age of five are more susceptible to viral fever associated with climate change. The fever continues for about three to five days. Immediate medical care must be given if the child has diarrhea, is vomiting and has a fever. It is better for children not to go to school to prevent the spread of disease. Doctors advised people to cover up properly using mufflers, caps and sweaters, especially young children, when they go out to school in cold conditions. Some of the schools in the Eastern Province have cancelled their morning assembly due to the extreme cold weather and windy conditions. The Ministry of Education in the Eastern Province has delayed the start of first term examinations by 15 minutes due to the cold weather.
