Doctors notice more patients with respiratory ailments and coughs in the winter months than during other seasons. A blast of cold air on the face after you are out in the open brings back memories of the harsh season.

Breathing in cold air is dangerous for those with asthma, bronchitis, or chronic respiratory conditions that block the airways. Cold temperatures can trigger wheezing, breathing problems, and coughing.

Dry and cold air can irritate the respiratory tract and lungs, even for healthy individuals. It can reduce the airways in the lungs' upper part, making breathing harder to breathe. A sudden temperature drop could bring health problems like heart and arthritis, etc. But winter is the ideal time to watch for skin-related illnesses and respiratory infections.

Research has also revealed that dry and cold temperatures, like those seen in winter months, make it more difficult for viruses to stay in the air for extended periods than in other climates.

Strep Throat

A sore throat can be discomforting and painful. But strep throat is more uncomfortable! Strep throat is a severe variant of sore throat which is caused due to an infection. This is due to a bacterial illness and is extremely common in children.

The symptoms of strep throat are difficulties and pain when drinking water or food, as well as headache, swelling of lymph nodes, fever, etc.

  • Drink warm water
  • Get in touch with a doctor immediately

It is typically encountered in children who attend school and is not usually associated with symptoms of coughing or cold. The bacterial infection is the result of a severe sore throat that is accompanied by stomachaches and headaches.

Flu

While the flu doesn't sign a health illness as the common cold, it shouldn't be overlooked. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus known under the term 'influenza.' It can be severe or mild also. Like cold patients, flu sufferers experience pain in the body, sore throat, headaches, fever, and so on, and can cause a shiver.

  • Make sure your mouth is covered with your hands when coughing or sneezing.
  • Maintain your respiratory hygiene, i.e., wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of flu-related bacteria and germs.
  • Every day, you should exercise to increase your immune system.
  • If someone is sick, be sure to keep them at a safe distance.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a different lung disease that is common during the winter months. The condition that is caused by bacteria may be either severe or mild. If it's mild, treatment is possible at home, but when it becomes extreme, hospitalization is a possibility as well.

People with weaker immunity or health problems such as asthma, heart conditions, or cancer risk suffers from pneumonia. However, the disease is hard to recognize at its earliest stages. However, if a patient is suffering from a persistent high temperature or cold, It is recommended to consult the advice of a doctor.

Bronchitis

Toddlers under the age of two years are often susceptible to Bronchitis. Bronchitis is an infection of the respiratory tract that RSV causes, also known as respiratory syncytial viruses.

Common symptoms include difficulty breathing due to inflammation of the airway passages in the lungs, as they become blocked. Patients with bronchitis may experience mild fever, constriction of the nasal passageway, wheezing, and coughing.

COPD

In winter, COPD patients are more susceptible to illness. Cold temperatures and strong winds can negatively impact the lungs. Likewise, exposure to cold temperatures can cause drastic changes in the respiratory system.

This is due to narrowing the airways, triggering flare-ups, which can increase mucus production, breathing difficulties, and coughing. These flares are not only uncomfortable, but they can also be life-threatening. And exacerbations are uncomfortable; they could also risk your life.

Common Cold

Common colds are too prevalent, and often we overlook them as part of the changing season. Common cold symptoms are chest congestion, sore throat, headache, sneezing, nasal congestion, and so on. It affects both children and adults. Common cold symptoms are expected to disappear within a few days and don't require any significant medical intervention.

It is recommended to take a break take a break, eat a homecooked meal, Drink plenty of fluids and rest to combat this health problem.

There are over 200 types of viruses that can trigger the common cold. The most well-known is the rhinovirus. The disease is caused by the changing seasons and can be caused by any person who coughs or sneezes near you or comes into contact with a surface with a virus.

Asthma

Airborne cold is a typical trigger for asthma and may trigger flare-ups. In addition, colds, flu, and other illnesses are usually in the winter months when they are at their peak. These illnesses can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Whooping cough

Also called pertussis, it is a severe and highly infectious bacteria-borne infection. It is most commonly seen in babies and children. This can last from 10 weeks.

Why We Fall Ill In The Winter Season?

The reasons are numerous. Furthermore, the weather is not the ideal time for long work hours. People tend to stay up late and eat a lot. You must be driven to take an outing. The gym is closed, as are the jogging or swimming.

In addition, winter is one of the celebrations and weddings. So, implementing an appropriate diet is complex, and calories accumulate with little chance of burning off all the fats.

A lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle causes a loss of circulation. This leads to an increase in the accumulation of fat within the body. Fat cells can irritate and deplete the immunity system.

Prevention of winter-related illnesses

Although nobody can stop winter-related illnesses throughout their lives, some steps can help you stay well and free of them. These include:

  • Take a good rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water.
  • Clean your hands frequently throughout the day to stay clear of the spread of bacteria and germs.
  • Keep a safe distance from those who are having a cold. Avoid using the same things as blankets, clothes, handkerchiefs, etc.
  • Make sure to cover your mouth using your hands or tissue when coughing and sneezing.
  • Regular exercise helps to build the immune system.
  • Take a glass of warm, filtered water.
  • See a doctor immediately if you feel sick.
  • Sleep well and drink plenty of water.
  • Make sure to wash your hands following going to the bathroom.
  • Keep warm clothing on and stay away from the cold for as long as possible.
  • Get a balanced diet that is based on fresh vegetables and fruits.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping warm and hydrated are vital. Keep clear of people or anyone else around you who is infected. In most cases, your body's immune system can manage your winter ailments without intervention. However, if it's taking too long to heal or you're getting worse, it could be time to talk to a doctor.

Also, Read: Air Pollution and its Adverse Effects on Health

with Dr. Akshay Budhraja

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