Ahem ahem! Winter chills of Bengaluru cause spike in tonsillitis cases

Bengaluru: As the chill of winter settles over the city, hospitals are witnessing a rise in tonsillitis cases. Doctors are now attending to 4-5 patients daily, a sharp increase from previous years.
The surge is linked to seasonal changes and rise in respiratory infections. Viruses like the common cold and influenza thrive in cooler temperatures and Bengaluru's winter has created ideal conditions for sore throats and swollen tonsils. Dr Rohit Udaya Prasad, lead and senior consultant - ENT & cochlear implant surgery at Aster RV Hospital, explained, "We've seen a 15-20% increase in tonsillitis cases this winter compared to last year. Previously, we saw one or two cases daily, but now it's up to four or five."
He attributed this to the winter months, which see a rise in respiratory infections, weakened immunity and dry air. "Crowded indoor spaces, allergies to dust and mould, and irritants in the air make people more vulnerable to infections," he added.
Dr Harshavardhan N Reddy, consultant, ENT at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, highlighted another factor. "We've seen nearly a 100% increase in tonsillitis cases since Nov and now, we see a minimum of eight cases per day," he said. Dr Reddy points out that lifestyle factors also play a role. "People continue consuming cold foods, despite the weather and crowded, close-contact settings like schools and offices further spread infections."
Dr Shama Shetty, consultant – ENT and head & neck surgery at Sparsh Hospital, added, "Compared to last year, we are seeing a 30% increase in cases. The number is expected to increase further in Jan due to colder weather, rising pollution from stubble burning and vehicular emissions and a higher prevalence of respiratory infections." Dr Shetty also attributes the rise to sudden temperature shifts between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoors, which irritate the throat.
When to see a specialist?
Dr Rohit Udaya Prasad stressed the importance of seeking medical attention if complications arise. "It's crucial to visit an ENT specialist if you experience complications such as an abscess, difficulty in breathing or dehydration. An ENT specialist can provide a personalised treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and prevent future tonsillitis attacks." Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the condition effectively.
Tonsillitis cases surge among kids
The rise in tonsillitis cases is especially noticeable among children. Dr Sampath Kumar Shettigar, senior consultant - paediatric & neonatologist at Kinder Hospitals, sees almost four cases being reported per day. He said, "Crowded places like schools and daycares make it easier for germs to spread, and children's immunity can be weakened by stress, poor nutrition or lack of sleep," he said, adding that there is a 20% increase of cases compared to last year.
Bengaluru's Temperature Dip: How to Prepare
Bengaluru has recently experienced a sharp dip in temperatures, with lows expected to reach 12 degree C, marking the coldest Dec night since 2010. Dr Shama Shetty advised, "Stay updated with local weather forecasts, as conditions can change unexpectedly. Schedule outdoor events during warmer parts of the day, and pack layers to stay warm. Staying hydrated is crucial — avoid cold or spicy foods and opt for warm liquids like soups. Wearing a mask outdoors can help protect you from pollutants and practicing good hand hygiene reduces the risk of infections."