Increased hospitalizations of elderly and young children due to weather conditions.

Rapid increase in patients with respiratory illnesses.

Having suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 14 years, Mr. NXH (Chuong My, Hanoi ) experiences shortness of breath and a burning sensation whenever the weather changes. During transitional seasons with humid weather, his symptoms worsen. His family took him to see a doctor.

A young child was hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory infection.

At the Pediatrics Department of Ha Dong General Hospital, Ms. PTT (from Yen Nghia, Ha Dong) said that more than a week ago, due to the erratic weather changes of rain and sunshine, her 3-year-old daughter showed signs of high fever and frequent coughing. The family took the child to the hospital for examination, where doctors diagnosed pneumonia and ordered hospitalization for treatment.

Similarly, Ms. D.TH's young daughter (Kim Bai, Thanh Oai, Hanoi), who is sensitive to weather changes, developed a cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and refused to breastfeed when the weather became humid and erratic, so her mother took her to the doctor. There, the little girl was diagnosed with pneumonia.

Here, many children are hospitalized with illnesses caused by the changing seasons, such as allergic rhinitis, rashes, and viral respiratory infections.

According to Dr. Pham Chien Thang, Deputy Head of the Outpatient Department at Ha Dong General Hospital, the recent continuous changes in weather and high humidity have led to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses. Specifically, in the past one to two weeks, the number of patients visiting the hospital has increased by 20-30% compared to normal days. These are mainly respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic lung disease, asthma, and bronchiectasis.

Note that the patient's condition worsens rapidly.

Dr. Nguyen Van Giang, Deputy Head of the Department of Respiratory and Lung Diseases at Ha Dong General Hospital, said: "Damp weather and high humidity create favorable conditions for viruses, bacteria, mold, and parasites to thrive. For patients with chronic lung diseases and poor health, combined with such environmental factors, the risk of secondary infections and exacerbations of lung disease increases."

Notably, the Respiratory Department is currently treating several patients with complex conditions, experiencing rapid and severe disease progression, far exceeding previous levels. For example, a patient might be normal in the morning but experience severe shortness of breath and potentially respiratory failure in the afternoon. Therefore, doctors are closely monitoring patients to prevent further deterioration of their condition.

For young children with respiratory illnesses, close monitoring is essential. Without early treatment, viral infections can progress rapidly, leading to respiratory failure and pneumonia.

According to Dr. Giang, to prevent illness during humid weather, families need to maintain a clean living environment and boost their body's resistance. They should maintain a healthy lifestyle: sleeping on time and getting enough sleep; and pay attention to daily exercise to get exposure to sunlight, which enhances the body's resistance against disease-causing agents.

Especially for the elderly and young children, it is important to pay attention to a proper, scientific, balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins. Eat cooked food and drink boiled water to avoid digestive diseases; minimize the consumption of raw or undercooked food.

In addition, when leaving the house, people should wear masks to prevent illness and dress appropriately for the weather outside.

In addition, families need to ensure food safety and hygiene during humid weather; avoid eating spoiled or moldy food to prevent bacterial infections; and keep dishes and utensils clean and free from mold.

Use a dehumidifier to create a dry environment or turn on the air conditioner in dry mode to reduce humidity, maintaining air humidity at 40-60% for best results. Clothes should be thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.

On the other hand, floors and windows are places where water can easily accumulate, causing dampness and slipperiness, posing a danger when moving around, so they need to be wiped regularly with a dry cloth.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/gia-tang-nguoi-gia-tre-nho-nhap-vien-vi-thoi-tiet-192240318161359906.htm