Winter Diseases

Winter is here and now it's time to take special care of our health, diet, and immune system. While getting ready for an exciting winter season, it is also important to keep the unpleasant side of this season in our mind, which includes common cold, cough, fever, throat, chest infections, bronchitis, joint attacks, itchy skin, and allergies.

Common Cold:

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, and throat. It is one of the most common infectious diseases, which affects millions of people around the world every year. It has a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

There are several factors due to which a person gets cold

* Exposure to cold temperature: Some researches suggest that being exposed to cold temperature may increase your risk of getting a cold, as the cold weather can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection.

* Age factor: Children and older adults are more prone to getting cold, as their immune systems may not be as strong as compared to healthy adults.

* Crowded environments: Being around large groups of people, such as in schools or offices, can increase your chances of catching a cold, as it is easier for the virus to spread in crowded environments.

 While the common cold may not be a serious illness, but it is highly contagious and causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding the causes of the common cold and taking preventative measures for it can help you to protect yourself and others from this common viral infection.

Cough: Usually dry cough is the most common cough in winter. Dry cough is also known as unproductive cough. Dry cough mostly appears due to change in temperature, dry cough is also mucus free, due to which the tickling sensation in the throat causes dryness and cough.

How cold air causes a cough?

Cold air is always dry air that lacks moisture, and this dryness first leads to lungs tightening and then dry airways which cause airways to spasm, this continuous cycle becomes a major cause of Dry or unproductive cough in winter.

However, consuming ample amounts of fluids, which include water, decaffeinated tea, juices, clear broth, and soup can help to reduce cough. Regular use of ginger tea with lemon and honey is also good a remedy for cough. 

Bronchitis:

 Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. The major causes of seasonal bronchitis are environmental changes and constant irritants which effects differently in winter.

Some of the prominent substances that irritate the lungs and trigger bronchitis are:

.Dust

. Fumes

. Vapors

.Air pollution

Bacterial infections and other viruses also lead to coughing with or without mucus, soreness in the chest and throat, mild headache and body ache, and fatigue which all are the visible symptoms of seasonal bronchitis.

 Basic treatment for bronchitis:

Bronchitis can be initially treated at home with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, over-the-counter medicines, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and plenty of fluids.  Usage of a humidifier or taking warm showers can also help loosen mucus and make breathing easier. Visiting a General Physician is advisable if symptoms are severe or unusual.

 Dryness:

Dryness and itchy skin is another big problem in cold weather, which can be treated with an excessive amount of fluids and hydrating drinks. Consuming foods that are high in vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with foods that are good sources of zinc and selenium may help to prevent and heal dry or itchy skin. Regular use of good moisturizers is also an important step in maintaining hydration in the skin.

Winter season plays a significant role in arousing sensitivities in our bodies. The extreme change in weather affects the environment through which health gets affected easily.

Cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are more common in the winter season. People spend their time indoors more often, which allow viruses to pass more easily from one person to another.

Cold can also have harsh effects on the respiratory system and aggravate respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to a lower immune system. How the way our immune system responds to any disease shows one's strength, willpower, and daily routine. Building up our immune system through healthy diets, hot drinks, and multivitamins is helpful in the prevention of the common cold and other winter diseases.

---