How the above nouns metamorphose into verbs in this pleasantly cruel season, is a terribly, true tale.While the cold air bringing in the respiratory change is a given, this year, the admixture of viruses (metapneumovirus, RSV, Rhino, influenza, etc) with the different particulate matter floating around (construction personified) is playing havoc with the airways of the citizens.
The innocent patient gets up with a tickle in the throat, which by the end of the day turns into an irritation, and then that night his nose starts watering. Next day, while sneezes abound, he feels malaise and a small cough shows up.The third day he has full blown fever with coloured phlegm and severe body ache. Besides home remedies, he sees his family doctor who gives well meaning medication.Half these cases turn around and make a slow recovery but the remaining, progress with intractable cough, wheezing and breathlessness necessitating investigations.The vulnerable (asthmatics, chronic lung sufferers,diabetics and those with various comorbidities) if not careful, get secondarily infected and these patients need nebulisers, sophisticated medication with probable antibiotics.Interestingly when we see such cases, while blood reports apparently correlate, a plain simple X-ray doesn’t pick up the shadowing in the lungs. Often a CT scan is needed which reveals the subtle but definite infection along with ground glassing depending on the case. By then the patient usually needs specialised care and supervision. The saga spans three weeks from start to finish.The unfortunate issue is that this is the season for parties, weddings, and public celebrations where, of course, masking is forgotten. To add insult to injury, pollution with resultant AQI, rises in the evening and only improves next morning after 10am, so all these evening gatherings are bathed in maximum smog.The abundant, unfortunately ‘Satan-like’ culinary availability with ice and other items, compounds the issue and of course the pain is felt only a few days later.So then?While the authorities are now doing their bit to curb what is ‘gone with the wind’, we need more action and precaution.The use of masks is warranted especially by the vulnerable and those suffering. to prevent the spread.Initiating the prescription early may nip the sniffles in the bud and prevent the cough.From antihistamines to inhalers, nasal sprays and nebulisers, follow informed symptomatic remedies from your family physician. Boosting immunity with antioxidants and topping up vitamins to optimum levels is a sine qua non.Vaccination prevention is a dictum which you should have welcomed in ‘come September’.The ultra careful are indulging in air purifiers and filters, especially for the vulnerable folks where a stitch in time can save nine.Home remedies are invaluable and abstinence from exacerbating items and events is the key. Postponing a function or turning down an invite is better, for it allows you to recoup and live for tomorrow and the day after.Stay away from cigarettes, burning incense and leaves, for smoke from any source and dust from any cause is a definite trigger.Eat sensibly, clothe protectively and enjoy your shawl and jacket season proactively.Try to be a ‘Dhurandhar’ of the season who can relish the cold clime, dodge the deadly grime and escape unscathed from the droplet attack which has to be curtailed at ‘Top Gun’ speed to allow all of us to breathe easy.Happy New Year!(Dr Hemant Thacker is a Consultant Physician & CardioMetabolic Specialist practising in South Mumbai and affiliated to TOI. Email: dochpt@gmail.com)
