Guwahati, March 2 — A rising number of residents in Guwahati are reporting coughs and, in some cases, fever, with doctors at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) attributing the surge to unusually heavy dust pollution caused by a prolonged lack of rain. Dr MP Das, head of GMCH’s Medicine department, told The Assam Tribune that the hospital has seen a substantial increase in patients with coughs and colds.
Dr Das said such infections are common this season but have worsened this year because rain has not fallen to settle airborne dust. “If it rains, the dust particles will settle on the ground and the spread of diseases will also come down,” she said, linking the dry spell directly to higher respiratory illness transmission.
According to Dr Das, severe dust pollution is driving a rise in respiratory tract infections, and close contact with infected people is spreading the illnesses further. The hospital has also reported infections among its own staff, with several doctors falling ill, either from exposure to polluted air or through contact with patients.
Some patients are presenting with fever, which doctors say can be caused by either viral or bacterial infections. Dr Das noted that viral infections are often self-limiting and typically resolve within a few days, whereas bacterial infections may take longer to heal and require medical treatment.
For symptomatic relief, she recommended simple measures such as gargling with warm salt water and using anti-allergic medicines to help control cough. She emphasized, however, that those with fever should consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and medication.
Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems — including those undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with uncontrolled diabetes — are at greater risk of severe illness from dust-related respiratory problems. Dust pollution can be particularly hazardous for these groups, Dr Das warned.
“At this moment, we have to take precautions and pray for rain, which will bring the suspended particles down to the ground to reduce infections,” she added, urging residents to protect vulnerable household members and seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/gauhati-medical-college-hospital-reports-rise-in-respiratory-cases-in-guwahati-1608971
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Publish Date: 2026-03-02 09:03:00
