As winter tightens its grip, the number of people suffering from cold-related illnesses has risen sharply in the port city of Chattogram, with children accounting for the majority of patients.
Hospitals across the city have reported a steady influx of patients suffering from pneumonia, respiratory distress, coughs, colds, and asthma.
The situation has become particularly severe at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where the paediatric wards have exceeded capacity, putting doctors and nurses under immense pressure.
Hospital sources said more than 300 children remained admitted across three paediatric units at the CMCH, while 70 new patients were admitted within the last 24 hours alone. Most of the children suffered from pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and other cold-related complications.
Hospital data from the past several days shows a consistent rise in winter-related admissions.
On 20 December, 66 children were admitted, including 22 with cold-related illnesses. On 21 December, 61 children were admitted, with 22 suffering from winter ailments. The numbers stood at 56 admissions on 22 December, including 16 cold-related cases.
On 23 December, 30 out of 56 admitted children suffered from cold-related illnesses. On 24 December, 13 out of 41 admissions were linked to winter illnesses. On 25 December, 23 out of 81 children were admitted with cold-related complications, while on 27 December, 26 out of 58 admissions involved similar conditions.
Paediatric Ward 9 at CMCH has only 64 beds, yet visits to the ward revealed that many children received treatment on the floor. Most of them suffered from winter-related illnesses. Nurses on duty said the ward now accommodates more than 100 patients daily, with numbers sometimes reaching 200.
Meteorologist Sahnaz Sultana from the Chattogram Meteorological Office said light fog would persist on Saturday and Sunday, though its intensity would reduce.
She said, “Fog would likely remain until noon, followed by sunshine. Temperatures may rise slightly over the next two days, easing the cold temporarily. However, temperatures may drop again from 30 December, increasing cold conditions.”
She added that no rainfall was expected during this period.
Head of the Paediatrics Department at CMCH, Professor Dr Mohammad Musa, said children’s immunity weakens during winter, allowing pneumonia and respiratory infections to spread quickly. He said delayed hospital visits posed the greatest risk.
He added that many cold-related illnesses remained preventable. People should avoid cold exposure, dust, and smoke, wear warm clothing, and maintain hygiene. He advised frequent breastfeeding for newborns and proper food and oral saline intake for children suffering from diarrhoea.
Paediatrics Professor Dr Abdullah Al Mamun said parents should not take risks by delaying treatment once fever, cough, or breathing difficulties begin. He said timely medical care could save most children.
He also urged guardians to ensure children remain warm and protected, particularly from asthma complications, by using gloves and socks during cold weather.
Assistant Professor of Medicine at Chattogram General Hospital, Dr Hamidullah Mehedi, said winter illnesses had increased significantly, including respiratory diseases, pneumonia, asthma, and skin conditions.
He said 500 to 600 patients visit the hospital’s outpatient department daily, with nearly half suffering from cold-related ailments. He added that 20 to 25 patients required hospital admission each day for similar conditions.
Professor Dr Md Mamunur Rashid of the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) said outpatient visits had increased, with 400 to 500 patients treated daily. Among them, 120 to 150 patients showed symptoms of cold-related illnesses.
He said the wards remained fully occupied, with critically ill patients admitted regularly.
Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said cold-related illnesses usually increase between November and March. He said the incidence of pneumonia, cold, cough, and diarrhoea had risen in rural areas. Although the situation remained manageable, the number of patients exceeded normal levels.
He added that doctors at all 15 upazila health complexes in the district had received instructions to stay alert. He said government hospitals had adequate medicine supplies and healthcare services continued without disruption.
