HYDERABAD: Pneumonia Cases Surge in City Hospitals
HYDERABAD: Hospitals across Hyderabad are witnessing a sharp rise in pneumonia cases, with doctors warning that the surge could continue until January. Children, senior citizens and asthma patients are among the worst affected, as respiratory infections spread rapidly amid erratic weather and rising pollution levels.
Paediatric wards, particularly at Niloufer Hospital, are crowded with children showing symptoms of pneumonia. Doctors said that 25–30% of the children visiting the outpatient department are exhibiting signs of respiratory infection. Niloufer receives about 1,200 outpatients daily, of whom nearly 200 present pneumonia symptoms, doctors noted.
At Osmania Hospital, the number of elderly patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma has also increased. Doctors attributed the trend to continuous rainfall, abnormal temperature fluctuations and pollution.
Medical experts warned against self-medication, noting that many people are resorting to antibiotics and paracetamol without consulting doctors. “Not all fevers and coughs respond to antibiotics. In viral infections, they are ineffective and even dangerous,” said doctors, urging the public to seek proper diagnosis and medical advice before starting treatment. Vaccines for flu and pneumonia are available in the market, they added.
“People with low immunity especially those with diabetes, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the elderly must remain cautious,” said Dr Rajeev, member of the Telangana Medical Council. He advised avoiding contact with infected persons, wearing masks, drinking warm water and refraining from smoking. “Asthma patients should use inhalers regularly,” he added.
Doctors have also cautioned that respiratory diseases could remain high until the end of the winter season, urging citizens to remain alert and avoid self-treatment.
