Min-max temperature flux hits health

Mumbai: While daily thundershowers may be a concern at the moment, the city is inching towards that time of the year when the gap between day and night temperatures widens; this causes a spike in health problems, warn city doctors. 

    On Monday, the maximum temperature in Colaba was 32 degree Celsius and that in Santa Cruz, 33.4 degree Celsius. The minimum temperatures, on the other hand, were 24.5 degree Celsius and 24.2 degree Celsius, respectively; thus, marking a difference of 7.5 degrees for Colaba and 9.2 degrees for Santa Cruz. 
    Anything near or above the difference of 15 degrees is a problem, say doctors. So while the difference is not as highcurrently, "by mid-October, day temperatures soar and night dip. When this happens, it becomes difficult for the body to adapt to sudden weather changes," said Dr Hemant Thacker, who consults at Jaslok and Breach Candy hospitals. 
    Other than cases of viral fever, dengue and conjunctivitis, since the past few days, city doctors have also reported a rise in cases of asthma and dry cough. "Early morning smog coupled with humidity is a problem for chronic respiratory patients. Very soon, once the the rain disappears, there will be more cases of asthmatic wheezing, pollution-induced hoarseness and lower respiratory problems," said Dr Thacker. A few weeks into October, pollution and inversion would worsen respiratory problems, say doctors. 
    Those with underlying problems need to be more careful, said Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist with Hinduja Hospital. "Those with vulnerable lungs, smokers and pregnant women can be affected more because of sudden temperature discrepancies." Major health problems can be thwarted if a cough that lasts for over 10 days is not ignored and the throat is kept moist, Dr Bajan added.