As the year draws to a close, Ho Chi Minh City’s Cho Ray Hospital has seen an influx of patients with respiratory illnesses, particularly pneumonia. This period of colder weather creates ideal conditions for respiratory diseases to develop.
Typical Cases
Case 1: Mrs. Phan Thi V. (72 Years Old, Dong Nai Province)
Mrs. Phan Thi V., who has been attending regular health check-ups at the HECI Center at Cho Ray Hospital for many years, recently experienced dry cough and occasional chills during her latest visit. Imaging tests revealed a small dense lesion in the right lower lobe of her lung, suspected to be pneumonia.
X-ray images showing a small dense lesion in the right lung (Image: Dr.).
Thanks to early detection, Mrs. V. received timely treatment, and her symptoms completely improved after one week of medication. Subsequent X-rays showed no further lesions.
Case 2: Mr. Duong Anh T. (34 Years Old, Hanoi)
Mr. Duong Anh T. sought medical attention due to productive cough and right-sided chest pain. Diagnostic imaging confirmed inflammation in the right lung. He was promptly treated and his symptoms resolved completely after medication.
Case 3: Ms. C. (51 Years Old)
Ms. C., who has been managing asthma for over five years, experiences more frequent coughing and wheezing when the weather turns cold. A general health check-up revealed a decline in her lung function compared to previous assessments. She was referred to a specialist for medication adjustments, and her symptoms have since improved significantly.
Case of a lesion in the right lower lobe of the lung (Image: Dr.).
Causes and Warnings from Doctors
Dr. Cao Thi Hong, Head of the HECI Center at Cho Ray Hospital, notes that temperature changes from hot to cold can lead to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and respiratory diseases. For the cardiovascular system, sudden drops in temperature cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and stroke risk.
Additionally, colder weather leads to decreased atmospheric pressure, causing tissues to expand and exert pressure on joints, increasing moisture and joint swelling. The constriction of blood vessels reduces circulation, leading to pain and stiffness in extremities.
For the respiratory system, cold air dries out the airways and facilitates the rapid spread of viruses and bacteria, increasing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Doctor Recommendations
Doctors recommend keeping warm, getting annual flu vaccinations, eating warm foods, and staying hydrated to prevent illness. Regular health screenings are crucial for early disease detection, timely treatment, reduced costs, and better health outcomes.
Pneumonia can present with symptoms similar to a common cold but may also include productive cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, potentially leading to respiratory failure if not detected and treated promptly. Therefore, proactive prevention and health monitoring are vital during colder weather.
