Kolkata: A considerable number of children in Kolkata have been impacted by ‘hyper-active airway disease,’ which is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in asthma, severe breathing difficulties, bronchitis, and pneumonia over the last three weeks. The primary cause of these symptoms was identified as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in most of the cases. Additionally, other viruses have been triggered by temperature changes and frequent rain, according to medical professionals. Approximately 60% of the children were suffering from airway disease attributed to RSV, while the remainder did not test positive for the virus, as stated by RN Tagore Hospital’s paediatrician and neo-natal expert Indranil Roy Choudhury. “We have been experiencing a continuous influx of patients exhibiting severe symptoms. The majority are facing breathing difficulties due to airway inflammation, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Following the puja, there was a minor decrease in patient numbers,” Roy Choudhury noted. About 30% of the cases were classified as severe, according to paediatrician Shantanu Ray. “Many required hospitalization and nebulization. Some needed bipap assistance, while numerous others are receiving oxygen support. The patient flow has remained consistently high for the past month, with severe symptoms reported in a segment of the cases,” he remarked. The paediatric and neo-natal wards at Fortis Hospital have been filled with children experiencing breathing difficulties since last month, as reported by paediatric consultant Sumita Saha. “The RSV outbreak commenced in early September, and the majority of patients in the ward were affected by the virus. This time, we have observed a slight increase in older children – specifically those aged between three and five – also contracting RSV or similar viral infections,” Saha explained. “RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, leads to bronchiolitis and respiratory distress, and its severity increases in the presence of pre-existing congenital heart conditions, prematurity, and malnutrition,” stated Sovana Haque, consultant paediatrician at Charnock Hospitals. She further elaborated that the virus infects the airway lining, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles, a condition referred to as bronchiolitis.
Based on the RSV Clinical Assessment Severity Score (RSV-CLASS), a new straightforward clinical practice guideline has been introduced, comprising four components: cough, tachypnea, rales, and wheezing, with each item assigned a point. A higher total score correlates with an increased need for hospital admissions. The timeframe from November to February is particularly critical, not only for patients with COPD but also for children who are susceptible to heightened pollution levels. School children, office workers, and daily commuters have been impacted due to their exposure to transmission,” stated MS Purkait, the medical superintendent of Techno India DAMA Hospital.
