With the mercury dropping, out-patient departments (OPDs) of city hospitals are seeing a rise in people coming in with heart and lung ailments, depression and flu.
“The cold weather makes people lethargic and they end up exercising less and tend to resort to comfort food as a way of keeping their body warm. Many become victims of winter depression and end up eating and sleeping more. Alcohol consumption also goes up during Diwali and Christmas. These factors can cause a spike in the number of complications suffered by people with existing lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and heart disease,” said K.K. Sethi, director, Cardiology, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute.
Cases of depression
The winter months also see a high incidence of depression setting in, especially among the elderly.
“Winter causes an increase in stress levels and hypertension, putting added pressure on their [elderly] already weak heart. People suffering from winter depression start indulging in foods high in sugar, trans-fat and sodium. This can be dangerous for those with diabetes and high cholesterol,” said Balbir Singh, senior interventional cardiologist and chairman, Electrophysiology and Pacing, Medanta: the Medicity Hospital.
“In cold weather, the heart pumps harder in order to maintain body heat... thus tightening the arteries. These factors can trigger a heart attack, especially in people with existing cardiac problems, and the elderly. Any unusual symptoms such as discomfort in the chest, sweating, pain in the jaw, shoulders, neck or arms as well as shortness of breath should not be ignored,” he said. Exercising regularly and eating a balanced and healthy diet can help overcome the issues, advised doctors.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as taking up low-impact physical activities like going for a brisk walk, jogging, yoga or aerobics class, as well as getting out during the afternoon when the sunlight is at its peak, and avoiding spending extended amounts of time outside during early mornings and nights when the temperature is the lowest, will prove beneficial, said doctors. A person should consult a physician if there is any major change in blood pressure.
Physicians said that one should abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking during the winter season as the amount of oxygen in the lungs is lower in cold temperatures, and smoking can trigger respiratory ailments, cardiovascular complications and high blood pressure.
Children at risk
Winter diseases affecting children, includes flu, common cold, fever, tonsil infection, and bronchiolitis.
“Children with low immunity are generally affected due to change in weather. It is recommended not to use over-the-counter medication since many children are reactive to a few components. Always consult a doctor before taking any medicines,” said Anil Bansal of Delhi Medical Association.
It is also essential that people clean their houses to limit indoor air pollution, which can put stress on the lungs and other body functions, said Piyush Goel, consultant pulmonologist and critical care, Columbia Asia Hospital, Palam Vihar. “Keep air-purifying plants like aloe vera and ivy in the house,” he advised.