Nghe An: Severe cold weather causes thousands of people to suffer from respiratory illnesses.

Many children were admitted to Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital with severe pneumonia. Photo: Thanh Hoa

Young and old alike are struggling because of the cold.

According to statistics from the General Planning Department of Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital: From December 10, 2017 to January 10, 2018, there were 25,800 pediatric patients examined, of which over 5,600 required inpatient treatment.

The total number of hospitalized patients did not increase compared to other months of the year, but the number of people suffering from respiratory illnesses did rise. In fact, many children arrived at the hospital in life-threatening conditions due to complications such as acute pneumonia and sepsis. Bui Tuan Kiet, a 3-month-old boy from Nghia Yen commune, Nghia Dan district, is one such case.

Baby Bui Tuan Kiet is being monitored and treated for acute pneumonia at the Respiratory Department of the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Photo: Thanh Hoa

Ms. Bui Thi Nguyet Anh, Kiet's mother, said: "For nearly a month, my child has had a runny nose, cough, and wheezing, requiring treatment at a local hospital. Just a week after being discharged, the weather turned cold, the monsoon arrived, and his illness relapsed. He became fussy, refused to breastfeed, had difficulty breathing, turned blue, and had seizures, so I took him straight to the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. The doctors diagnosed him with acute pneumonia."

After one day of intensive treatment, Bui Tuan Kiet's fever subsided, his health gradually stabilized, and his complexion returned to a healthy pink. According to doctors in the Respiratory Department, Kiet needs to be treated for another 7-10 days before he can be discharged from the hospital.

During this cold spell, not only young children and infants are getting sick, but the number of children over 10 years old suffering from complicated respiratory illnesses has also increased.

Thirteen-year-old Hoang Quang Thuan, from Nam Loc commune, Nam Dan district, is one of the patients hospitalized during this cold spell. Thuan's older sister said: "Initially, when Thuan had back pain and abdominal pain, the family thought he had joint pain and treated it themselves. After two days without improvement, we took Thuan to the hospital and learned he had sepsis due to lobar pneumonia with suspected lung abscess. Now, after five days of inpatient treatment, Thuan's condition has gradually improved, and his fever has subsided..."

Not only at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, but also at the Provincial Friendship General Hospital, the number of patients with respiratory illnesses seeking treatment has increased significantly. The planned number of beds in the Allergy - Respiratory Department is 35 (actually 64 beds), which is insufficient for the number of patients. In recent days, the number of inpatients in the department has consistently been around 80-85 people.

The Allergy and Respiratory Department at the Provincial Friendship General Hospital is overloaded, with three people sharing two beds. Photo: Thanh Chung

Among the respiratory patients in the department, the majority are elderly, most of whom have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mr. Nguyen Song Hao, 69 years old, residing in Block 6, Ha Huy Tap Ward, Vinh City, currently receiving treatment in the department, said: "With this disease, the weather gets worse whenever it's cold or there's a sudden change in temperature. With the cold air coming in, I've had difficulty breathing, so I've been here for 5 days. If I feel better, I'll ask to be discharged tomorrow to prevent cross-infection and to give the bed to someone else. There are too many patients!"

Stay warm to prevent illness.

Dr. Le Nhat Huy, Head of the Allergy and Respiratory Department at the Provincial Friendship General Hospital, explains: During the cold season, chronic diseases, especially respiratory illnesses such as chronic asthma and chronic pneumonia, increase and flare up. Those most affected are often the elderly due to their weaker health and reduced immunity. Respiratory illnesses during this season are usually more severe, leading to longer treatment periods and consequently, hospital overcrowding.

The Allergy and Respiratory Department had to add extra beds in the hallway. Photo: Thanh Chung

Doctor Le Nhat Huy advises: "For the elderly, to prevent illness, it is important to keep the body warm. People with a history of chronic diseases should get vaccinated. In particular, attention should be paid to the use of straw, firewood, and charcoal for heating. Many people have been hospitalized due to toxic smoke affecting their respiratory system."

Dr. Bui Anh Son, Head of the Respiratory Department at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, also gave similar advice: "Absolutely do not use coal or charcoal to heat children, as the fumes released are very toxic. Limit children's exposure to the outdoors during weather changes. For young children, especially newborns, parents need to keep them warm, especially their mouths, noses, necks, and feet, by ensuring warm air in the room. Avoid taking children to crowded places and prevent them from being exposed to smoke and dust..."

For patients with chronic respiratory infections, Dr. Le Nhat Huy advises them to avoid strenuous exercise in cold weather. Photo: Thanh Chung

Besides keeping children warm, parents also need to be careful not to overheat them by not bundling them up too much, which can cause them to sweat and the sweat to soak back into their bodies. During prolonged periods of severe cold, children need to eat and drink nutritious food, warm food and drinks before use, and wash hands thoroughly before feeding children and after using the toilet.

When you see a child with a persistent cough, high fever, refusal to feed, lethargy, and difficulty waking up, do not self-medicate at home. Instead, take the child to the nearest medical facility for timely examination and treatment by doctors.