After the heavy downpour of monsoon rains, a season that gives a sign of relief and brings a time to explore nature’s beauty in winter. It is an opportunity for traveling, holidays, celebrations, and many more. But the same season also brings climate that makes people prone to some health issues
In this article, we will discuss the common diseases in winter and ways to stay away from them.
Winter diseases:
Seasonal changes are a quite natural process. But the human body takes its own time to get adapted to such changes and the time taken is not the same for all. While undergoing such adaptation, our immune system might not offer a strong defense to diseases that make people suffer from various winter illnesses.
Lack of Sunlight has a strong impact on Vitamin D synthesis, which is key for our immunity. In addition to that, the high moisture content in the air would make all winter diseases more contagious.
Common diseases in winter:
A combination of cold air, low temperature causes the following diseases
- Common colds:
As the name defines, it is the most common disease in winter caused due to a viral infection. According to the research, over 200 viruses can cause colds. The virus might enter the body through the nose, mouth, and eyes and people affected by cold will experience the following symptoms
Symptoms:
- Running nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Mild fever
- Drowsiness and dizziness
Care:
Usually, the common cold will affect a person for a week and in some cases, it may present for two weeks. People can take the following steps to get some relief or improve their health
- Try to have mild hot water
- Give yourself a proper sleep to rejuvenate
- Washing hands regularly
- Avoid contact with other family members
Note: Consuming anti-biotics is not advisable until the bacterial infection is proven by testing
- Fever:
Contrary to popular opinion, fever is not an illness, it is a symptom of viral or bacterial infection. When our body is contracted with virus/bacteria, our immune system starts attacking it, and raising body temperature is part of it.
Symptoms:
- Body temperature more than 980
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Lack of hunger
- Indigestion
Care:
While the acute fever affects for a week, chronic fever may remain in the body for 2 weeks. Doctors prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medicine after a proper test.
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid contact with other family members
- Have a proper sleep
- Consume fiber-rich food
- Consult doctor if symptoms remain for longer period
- Pneumonia:
Sometimes, when a human body is exposed to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it would cause inflammation of air sacs in the lungs. Its effect on humans is mild to severe based on the affected age group. It might go to the extent of life-threatening for infants and old age people.
Symptoms:
- Cough with phlegm
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Care:
- Consult the doctor for proper diagnosis
- Avoid visits to places with cold climate
- Consume plenty of fluids
- Take proper rest
- Sinusitis:
Sinuses are the cavities in our head filter the air that we breathe to remove bacteria, viruses, and any pathogens that affect our lungs. The usually air-filled cavities, when blocked with fluid, it causes inflammation of sinus tissues called sinusitis.
Symptoms:
- Running nose
- Cough or congestion
- Severe headache
- Loss of smell
- Fatigue
Care:
- Stay hydrated
- Clean nasal passage with saline solution
- Use nasal sprays- on doctor’s advice
- Consult doctor for proper diagnosis
- Tonsilitis:
Children aged between 5 and 15 are prone to this disease. When our tonsils fight bacterial or viral infections, sometimes, they get swollen and cause discomfort in breathing, speaking, etc. This is called Tonsillitis.
Symptoms:
- Swollen tonsils in the neck
- Difficulty in speech
- Ulcers in the throat
- Headache
- Bad breath
Care:
- Take diagnosis to check the type of infection
- Drink warm fluids for comfort
- Take proper rest
- Use saltwater to gargle
- Consult a doctor if it reaches the chronic stage
- Asthma:
Asthma is a chronic condition that occurs due to difficulty in breathing. The airways of our lungs, bronchi, get swollen due to allergies or infection, which would block the breath. This causes the condition of difficult breath called asthma.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty in breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Care:
- Consult doctor for medication
- Use nasal sprays
- Avoid asthma triggers such as dusty places
- Monitor your breath for early diagnosis
- COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is caused by constriction of the airways and discomfort in breathing. Though many people assume shortness of breath is due to old age, it could be a symptom of COPD. 90% of COPD can be attributed to smoking habit
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Wheezing
Care:
- Stop smoking
- Religiously follow the doctor’s prescription
- Use nasal inhalers
- Avoid dusty or any congestive places
Though we follow the required precautions, we might end up with various infections. In that case, we must consult the medical expert for a proper diagnosis. To provide the care you deserve, with a critical care facility, Bhrungi Hospital is ready with all-around healthcare at an affordable cost.
Bhrungi Hospitals:
Bhrungi Hospital is a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital, located in Hyderabad, to meet the healthcare needs of the community through providing top-class yet affordable facilities and services. True to our promise of offering “Care You Deserve”, we are committed to providing the highest levels of patient care and safety. In this endeavor, we leave no stone unturned to extend the finest treatment, conform to the strictest medical protocols and ensure impeccable quality in all activities.
