AIIMS Doctors Urge Vulnerable Groups To Take Precautions Against Cold Weather Health Risks

As the colder weather hits, and with the forecast of a further dip in mercury in large parts of the country, doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have issued a strong warning that extreme cold can sharply aggravate chronic medical conditions—particularly heart, lung, kidney, and metabolic disorders.

The medical experts also cautioned that wintry conditions should not be viewed merely as seasonal discomfort, but as a significant public health stressor capable of triggering life-threatening complications in vulnerable populations; children, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities are particularly at health risk.

On respiratory health, Dr. Sanjeev Sinha from the Department of Medicine, AIIMS, explained that inhaling cold air directly irritates the airways. “Cold air causes narrowing of the breathing passages, triggering bronchospasm—a sudden tightening of airway muscles,” he said.

This poses a particular danger for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—a long-term lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema—as well as those with bronchial asthma. “Such patients experience increased coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness during cold waves. Many also become more susceptible to pneumonia,” Dr. Sinha said.

He noted a clear rise in cases. “I see around seven to ten patients every day with cold-related respiratory complaints,” he said, advising people to step out only when necessary, wear multiple layers of warm clothing, take inhalers regularly, and drink warm fluids.

“Cold waves cause major physiological changes in the body, much like heat waves. Northern India must recognise this as a serious public health challenge,” Dr. Sinha added.

Endocrinologist Dr. Rajesh Khadgawat of AIIMS said diabetes management often becomes more difficult during winter. “Physical activity tends to decline in cold weather, which directly affects blood sugar control,” he said, urging patients to remain active indoors through stretching, yoga, or light exercises.

He also stressed the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups. “The pneumococcal vaccine, such as PPS23, protects against serious infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. It significantly reduces the risk of severe illness in diabetics and the elderly,” Dr. Khadgawat said.

Highlighting the cardiovascular risks, Dr. Rajiv Narang, Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS, said winter places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. “In cold weather, blood vessels constrict, water intake drops, and salt consumption often increases. Together, these factors raise blood pressure and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks,” he said.

Dr. Narang advised patients with heart disease to avoid early morning walks during intense cold, especially when air pollution levels are high. “Winter pollution further aggravates cardiac risk. Patients must strictly adhere to their prescribed heart medicines,” he stressed.

Calling for a stronger policy response, he added, “Cold waves should be taken as seriously as heat waves. Just as heat action plans exist, cold action plans are equally necessary to protect vulnerable populations.”

Children, especially infants, are also at high risk. Dr. Rakesh Lodha, Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor of Paediatrics at AIIMS, said newborns and premature babies lose body heat rapidly due to their larger surface area relative to weight. “Cold stress can lead to lethargy, poor feeding, and breathing difficulties,” he warned, adding that respiratory infections remain the leading cause of winter hospitalisations among children.

He emphasised that covering the head is critical, as it is one of the most sensitive areas for heat loss.

Kidney patients face distinct winter-related risks as well. Dr. Sandeep Mahajan, Professor of Nephrology at AIIMS, said blood pressure often rises during cold weather. “Most kidney disease patients also have hypertension, making strict blood pressure control essential during winter,” he said.

He advised maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg for most patients, with a slightly relaxed target of 140–145 mm Hg for the elderly. Patients should also avoid excessive salt and protein intake and be cautious with seasonal vegetables, such as spinach and mustard greens, which can raise potassium levels if consumed excessively.

Doctors underscored that indoor physical activity, regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, adequate hydration, and timely medical consultation are crucial during prolonged cold spells.

Experts stressed that cold waves are not just climatic events but serious health emergencies that demand preparedness, awareness, and policy-level attention to prevent avoidable illness and deaths.

Dr. Abhijith Rao, Assistant Professor of Geriatrics at AIIMS, said a fall in body temperature is a common problem among older adults during winter, often leading to worsening control of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. “Cold stress can destabilise existing illnesses and also make the elderly more vulnerable to new infections and diseases,” he said.

Dr. Rao advised seniors to take simple but effective precautions to stay warm. “Maintaining body temperature is crucial. Older adults should avoid stepping out during early mornings and late evenings, when cold exposure is highest. Wearing socks to keep the feet warm, along with gloves and mufflers, helps reduce heat loss,” Dr. Rao said.

He also emphasised dietary and household precautions. “Eating freshly cooked warm food and using warm water while bathing or doing household chores can prevent sudden drops in body temperature,” he said, advising against consumption of oily and junk food and encouraging a diet rich in vegetables and essential nutrients.

Equally important, Dr. Rao highlighted the often-overlooked impact of social isolation during winter. “Older adults should stay connected with peer groups and the community to avoid loneliness, which can worsen both physical and mental health. Here, appropriate use of technology can play a supportive role,” he added.