Rain, cold weather likely to increase childhood asthma, respiratory infections

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   
With the rainy and cold weather conditions, childhood asthma, especially respiratory viruses infections including influenza will increase, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.   
He told the Daily Mirror that respiratory virus infections such as influenza, adenovirus and rhinovirus are expected to increase. Coughing, along with a runny or stuffy nose, are common symptoms. 

Childhood asthma is also likely to rise due to cold weather and as a post-viral flu complication.   
Dr. Perera added that children may develop diarrhoea due to unsafe food and water. Even young adults can develop diarrhoea if they consume unsafe food and water.   
Due to the rains, the number of flies will increase, affecting the hygiene of food and water. Dr. Perera urged parents and children to avoid consuming food in open areas where flies are prevalent, as this could lead to infections like diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid.   
He warned that leptospirosis will become common in flooded areas. Symptoms include prolonged fever lasting five or six days, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes and dark urine.   
There could also be an increase in dengue fever due to the rise in mosquito breeding sites during the adverse weather. People are advised to clean their surroundings after the rains to prevent water collection.   
Bacterial infections such as melioidosis (also known as soil fever) may spread in flood-prone areas. Melioidosis is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, air or water. Dr. Perera advised people, especially children, to avoid stepping in muddy or puddle-filled water. He also noted that melioidosis has been reported in the Kurunegala District. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, cervical lymph nodes and prolonged fever.   
He advised people to be cautious about these diseases, as most are preventable. However, it is safer to take precautions and seek medical treatment if any of the mentioned symptoms occur.   
*Parents and children urged to avoid consuming food in open areas where flies are prevalent