Lucknow, Dec. 8 -- As temperatures dip in Lucknow, cases of sore throat and congestion have risen noticeably over the past few days. OPDs at major government hospitals - Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital, Balrampur Hospital and Lok Bandhu Raj Narain Hospital (LBRN) - are witnessing a 20-30% surge in such cases. Dr Kuldeep Verma, physician at Civil Hospital, said cases have increased by nearly 20%. The OPD, which sees about 150 patients daily, is now receiving more people of all ages with sore throat and congestion. At LBRN Hospital, Dr Pankaj Gupta said the OPD usually handles around 500 patients a day, but in recent days, nearly 30% of these are reporting throat infections and breathlessness. Similarly, Dr A K Gupta of Balrampur Hospital reported that around 25% of their daily 300-plus OPD patients are complaining of similar symptoms. Experts advise avoiding ice cream and cold drinks in the current weather. Poor air quality is also a major contributor. Wearing proper woollens throughout the day is essential, as temperatures remain low in the morning and evening but rise during the day. Neglecting appropriate clothing is adding to the problem, they said. Civil Hospital has a capacity of 300 beds, Balrampur Hospital 700 beds, and LBRN Hospital can cater to around 300 patients. htc...