Hospitals in Chattogram are struggling to handle a sharp increase in child patients suffering from cold-related complications during the winter.

During visits to various hospitals in the port city, pediatric wards were found filled beyond capacity. Many children were admitted with conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhoea.

At Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), the situation was especially alarming. Parents crowded the ward and corridors, while nurses moved quickly between patients. Children were seen relying on nebulisers to breathe.

The Child Health ward's two units, with a capacity for 64 patients, were overwhelmed by more than double the number. On Thursday, 110 children were admitted to the ward.

Ikbal Hossain, who brought his seven-month-old son from Chandanaish upazila, expressed concern. "I am worried. My son cannot breathe normally," he said.

Nur Hashem, who traveled from Cox's Bazar with his five-month-old son, said, "My son started having trouble breathing last Saturday. We went to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, but his condition worsened, and they referred us here."

In another bed, an eight-month-old girl was on a saline drip as her mother, Jesmine Sultana, anxiously looked on. Similar scenes were seen throughout the ward.

Dr Mohammad Musa, associate professor at CMCH's Child Health ward, said two-thirds of the admitted children were suffering from cold-related illnesses. He urged parents to act quickly if infants show symptoms such as rapid or difficult breathing.

He also recommended keeping children in smoke-free environments, ensuring regular breastfeeding for infants, and maintaining good hygiene practices.

At Marine City Medical College Hospital, Dr Basana Muhuri, a professor in the Child Health department, reported a rise in child patients with similar complications.

She emphasised the importance of recognising warning signs, including convulsions, vomiting, rapid or difficult breathing, and loss of appetite.

"Parents must seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms appear," she said.

Dr Jahangir Alam, civil surgeon of Chattogram, said over 100 cases of diarrhoea are being reported daily in the city's hospitals. He attributed the surge to rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhoea in infants during winter."Our hospitals and health complexes are ready to provide the necessary treatment," he assured.