Convulsions target children as mercury level soars
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Paediatricians in the city are having their hands full as the soaring mercury levels has brought with it a variety of ailments that mostly impact children.
Doctors are seeing an increasing number of infants who come with febrile convulsions, a condition which mostly affects children in the age group of six months to six years.
These children pick up infections easily and are prone to catching viral fever and flu in summer.
Elaborating on the condition, Dr Murugan, consultant paediatric neurologist at Fortis Malar Hospitals, says, “These kids are very young and their brain is still in the growing phase so they react intensely to climate changes. Their body cannot take the high temperature when they get fever and this results in their having a bout of seizures.”
The doctor pointed out that though there was nothing to fear and the condition would stabilise as the kids grow up, he said it is a nightmarish experience for young mothers.
“The past few months have seen a considerable rise in febrile convulsion cases and we see at least five cases a day,” he said.
Paediatrician K. Meera states that children have also been complaining of burning sensations in eyes, cough and cold.
“It is important for parents to ensure that the children take lots of fresh fruit juice and tender coconut. Children less than one year old should be kept away from cold air blasts early in the morning as the temperature variations could result in their getting fever,” she added.
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