Hyderabad, Sep 10: With the monsoon bringing high humidity, damp indoor environments and increased exposure to respiratory infections and allergens, pulmonologists at Kamineni Hospitals have cautioned that what begins as a routine cough, cold or viral infection can sometimes progress into more significant respiratory problems. The hospital’s specialists have highlighted increasing clinical concerns around asthma and COPD exacerbations, bronchitis, persistent post-viral cough, allergic respiratory conditions and pneumonia, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
Dr. Subhakar Kandi, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals, said that monsoon conditions can aggravate existing airway diseases such as asthma and COPD. Changes in humidity, exposure to mould and indoor allergens, along with respiratory infections, can trigger wheezing, chest tightness, persistent cough and breathlessness.
“Patients with asthma or COPD should not ignore a sudden increase in symptoms or a greater need for their reliever medication. A respiratory infection that may be mild in a healthy individual can trigger a significant exacerbation in someone with an underlying lung condition. Early medical assessment can help prevent a manageable flare-up from progressing to a serious respiratory complication,” he said.
Dr. E. Ravindra Reddy, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals, said that persistent cough following a viral infection should not always be dismissed as “just bronchitis”.
“A cough can continue for some time after a viral infection, but a persistent or worsening cough accompanied by fever, breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, low oxygen levels or blood in the sputum requires medical evaluation. It is important to distinguish between a self-limiting viral illness, acute bronchitis, an asthma or COPD exacerbation and pneumonia, as the management of each can be different. Unnecessary antibiotics should also be avoided unless there is a clear medical indication,” he said.
Dr. Ravindranath, Senior consultant Pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals, emphasised the importance of recognising respiratory warning signs and protecting high-risk groups.
“Older adults, young children and people living with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other chronic illnesses need closer monitoring during the monsoon. Breathlessness at rest, persistent or worsening wheezing, chest pain, falling oxygen saturation, coughing up blood, persistent high fever with respiratory symptoms, severe weakness or confusion should not be ignored and warrant prompt medical attention,” he said.
Dr. D.S Sowjanya, Consultant Pulmonologist, said
“People recovering from viral or flu-like infections should pay attention to symptoms that persist or worsen after the initial illness appears to be settling. Ongoing cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness may indicate that the infection has aggravated an underlying airway condition. Patients with asthma or COPD should be particularly cautious and continue their prescribed inhalers and medications as advised. Timely review can help identify an exacerbation early and prevent further deterioration.”
“Monsoon-related respiratory problems are not limited to infections alone. Damp indoor environments, mould, dust and poor ventilation can contribute to airway irritation and worsen respiratory symptoms. People experiencing recurrent cough, wheezing or breathlessness should not repeatedly self-medicate without identifying the underlying cause. A proper clinical assessment can help determine whether the symptoms are related to an infection, airway disease or another respiratory condition and guide appropriate treatment” added Dr. Bharath Janapati, Consultant Pulmonologist.
The specialists advised residents to maintain good respiratory hygiene, adequate ventilation and indoor cleanliness, particularly in damp environments. People with asthma or COPD should continue their prescribed medications and inhalers as advised by their physicians and avoid known triggers. Regular hand hygiene, cough etiquette and appropriate precautions in crowded indoor settings can also help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
Kamineni Hospitals said its Pulmonology, Emergency and Diagnostic services remain available for the evaluation and management of seasonal respiratory illnesses and complications. The hospital urged people not to ignore persistent cough, wheezing or breathlessness and to seek timely medical advice, particularly when symptoms worsen or occur in high-risk individuals.