The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital remained packed up with infants and minor children with bronchial complications for a week.

Deputy director Dr. Suvash Chandra, and child specialist of SBMCH Dr. Zahid Hossain said 150 child patients were under treatment on Sunday. Since last Sunday, in an average 40 patients were admitted to the hospitals for treatment and 20 released after treatment every day.

Physician sources said, fluctuations of day and night temperatures and humidity in a situation of change of the seasons are responsible for the sudden break out of bronchitis. This is a viral disease with symptoms of suffocation for the inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. Guardians are advised to protect their children from exposure to excessive heat or cold and to segregate bronchitis patients from healthy babies.

Its treatment needs antibiotic, oxygen supply and even suction. The patients should be kept in well-ventilated rooms but guarded against cold air. No death of any bronchitis patient was reported till yesterday but heavy rush may cause crisis of oxygen cylinders, hospital authority cautioned.