Bengaluru’s winter sees a sharp rise in tonsillitis cases fuelling respiratory vulnerabilities
Bengaluru’s winter has brought a sharp rise in tonsillitis cases, with hospitals reporting an uptick in daily patient numbers. Doctors in the city are now attending to four to eight cases daily, marking a 15-100% increase compared to last year. Seasonal factors such as cooler temperatures, increased respiratory infections, and lifestyle choices have amplified the vulnerability of citizens to throat ailments, especially children in crowded settings like schools and daycares.
Health experts attribute the rise to a combination of environmental and behavioural factors. Dr Rohit Udaya Prasad, a senior consultant at Aster RV Hospital, observed a 15-20% surge in cases compared to last winter. “Patients suffer from sore throats, swollen tonsils, and related complications due to dry air, weak immunity, and prolonged indoor exposure during winter months,” he explained. Another expert, Dr Harshavardhan N Reddy from Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, reported a near 100% spike in cases, underscoring the role of dietary habits and close-contact settings in spreading infections.
From a civic perspective, the city’s dipping temperatures, touching 12°C—the lowest December night in over a decade—exacerbate respiratory vulnerabilities. Rising pollution levels, driven by stubble burning and vehicular emissions, compound the issue, creating a hazardous environment for citizens. ENT specialists warn that the combination of sudden temperature shifts between heated indoors and cold outdoors further irritates respiratory tracts, amplifying discomfort.
On the sustainability front, the city’s poor air quality demands urgent interventions. Measures such as stricter pollution controls, promoting public transport, and increasing green cover are vital to reduce respiratory ailments. Bengaluru’s resilience against seasonal health challenges requires integrating public health strategies with urban development, ensuring citizens can navigate the winter without compromising their well-being.
