Pulmonology & Treatment of Winter Related Diseases

Common Winter Ailments

As winter approaches, the cold & flu season follows. As the weather gets colder, respiratory illnesses become more prevalent. Viral transmission is easier when people spend most of their time indoors or in closed spaces. Cold, dry air reduces our immunity. In winter, health care is especially important for everyone. Despite all your efforts, you can still get sick sometimes.

Listed below are some of the common winter ailments and how to avoid them.

• Common cold: The common cold is the most contagious disease seen in winter. It is caused by over two hundred different types of viruses.
• Pneumonia: Winter brings the most common cause of pneumonia, which causes the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) to fill with fluid.
• Bronchitis: When bronchitis occurs, swelling and irritation develop in the lungs and airways. A common cold or the flu will typically precede bronchitis. Coughing is one of the major symptoms of bronchitis.
• Influenza: The common cold looks similar to influenza, but it is a more severe form of viral disease. The flu will also cause body aches, congestion, fatigue, and chest pains for those who have it.
• Sinusitis: Congestion, headaches, and cough can be symptoms of sinusitis, an upper respiratory tract infection. Closed spaces with inadequate ventilation are more likely to cause these symptoms.
• Whooping cough: Mostly seen in young children, whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious disease. A violent coughing fit is a primary symptom.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are potential complications of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The symptoms include severe chest pain and are more common during the peak winter months.

Reasons behind winter respiratory illness:

Cold, flu, and other respiratory diseases are transmitted through the nose by viruses and bacteria. These microbes can’t penetrate the nasal lining, as it contains mucus and cilia (hair-like structures found in the nose) that prevents them from getting into the respiratory system. The viruses get stuck in the mucus and later reach the stomach because of the continuous movement of the cilia. Therefore, the stomach acid neutralises the virus and prevents infection and disease.

Prevention methods:

During winters, people can prevent all diseases by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding contact with their eyes, noses, and mouths, and staying away from sick people.

Winter ailments can also be prevented by taking some additional precautions:

• As the body works hard to keep its temperature normal during winter, our bodies get tired easily. By layering your body with warm clothing, you can help your body regulate its temperature much more effectively.
• The flu vaccine (vaccine against influenza) must be taken every year to reduce the risk of infection.
• Winter sinusitis can be prevented by drinking warm water, keeping their surroundings clean, inhaling steam, and keeping their surroundings free of dust.
• It is recommended to consume multivitamins during winter to boost immunity.
• You should avoid jogging in the morning if the air quality is poor where you live because toxic pollutants in the air are at their peak then.
• Citrus fruits, Indian gooseberries, and guava, all rich in vitamin C, are good ways to prevent respiratory illnesses.
• Maintain your body temperature by drinking hot beverages like tea, coffee, and soup.
• The lung function of people with pre-existing respiratory diseases must be maintained by regular breathing exercises.
• If you do not feel well, have chest pain, weakness, stomach pain, dizziness, or persistent cough with fever, contact a physician immediately.

At OMNI, we have the best team of doctors to treat all kinds of winter-related illnesses. Our centre for excellence in pulmonology specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the respiratory system. Patients suffering from various lung conditions are treated at OMNI Hospital’s department of pulmonary medicine such as Asthma, COPD, Tuberculosis (TB), Pneumonia, Lung cancers, Birth defects of lungs, Sleep disorders, and Snoring.

We also provide advanced facilities, including PFT machine, ABG machine, Spirometry, BIPAP and CPAP, and polysomnography. Besides excellent radiology, lab, and physiotherapy services, the ICU provides comprehensive care for acutely ill and severely injured patients as well.

Get in touch with the OMNI experts for any kind of winter/ lung-related illness immediately at 888 0101 000 to know more.