Winter is almost approaching India and it’s the time to take out the warm woollies and enjoy endless cups variety of soups, ginger tea and coffee brews. It’s a much required break from the hot months and there sense of holiday cheer in the air. However for many the winter season not only brings pleasant weather brings but is a precursor to illness and diseases as the temperature drops. .
During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the same time, the body is adjusting to the new climate. As a result, the change in the process is demonstrated through a number of diseases. Adults as well as children are very susceptible to the change in climate. Children especially end to be more absent from school and are more prone to catch a lot of winter related diseases as their immunity is still developing.
During these months we are susceptible to diseases and should know how to manage ourselves better. Most of these diseases affect both adults and children.
Colds and Flu: In the winter, when temperatures begin to fall, the body naturally begins to work in overdrive to regulate the normal body temperature. Many individuals suffer from bacterial or viral induced cold and flu symptoms resulting from a drop in immunity. Wearing a variety of warm clothes will help your body regulate the body temperature and reduce the chances of catching colds. Flu, also known as Influenza generally gets transmitted through the air in the environment. Yet, keeping yourself shielded from chilling winds is always helpful. Vitamin C can also be very helpful along with warm drinks. Children are very prone in catching colds and cough. It is better that they properly dressed warmly and avoid playing outside in later part of the day.
Coughs and Croup: Winter also brings with it a lot of dust, dryness and cold winds. This adds to cough symptoms. Having warm beverages of extreme temperatures also triggers a throat infection. Always wear a helmet or use scarves to protect yourself from the dust while rising two wheelers. You may wake up in the middle of the night to hear your child coughing loudly. The croup cough often is described as “barking” or “like a seal”. Children with mild and moderate croup can usually be easily treated in the ER with nebulized treatments and steroids.
Throat Infection: Symptoms start with painful, itchy and scratchy throat that makes us uncomfortable. Most throat infections are a result of a persisting infection or some environmental factors, such as dry air. Gargling, rest, and avoiding cold items will help.
Acute Ear Infection – This leads to ear pain, blocked ears, itchy Ears. Excessive cold may result into an acute ear infection. Another cause of bacterial ear infection is due to moisture in the ear. An ear infection can occur even overnight, so it is best to identify it at the earliest. Seen not only in adults but also children.
Tonsil Infection – Tonsillitis is a condition where there is an inflammation of the tonsils with severe pain in the throat, enlarged tonsils and the child is unable to gulp food or liquids. Eating anything cold may trigger this or even a virus or bacteria in the air can cause it. Avoid feeding your child anything cold when the weather is cold.
Stomach Flu: When your immune system becomes weak, your body faces difficulty in fighting against the effects of bacteria. The most common symptoms of stomach infection include vomiting, excessive thirst, green stool, fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and pain the abdominal area. It’s a self-treatable ailment and does not require any specific course of treatment. Both adults and children are very prone.
Itchy dry skin: A lot of people with sensitive skin develop itchy during winter due to the dryness. The best way to take care of this is by applying coconut, olive or almond oil every night. . Eczema and psoriasis can worsen during winters.
Respiratory ailments: The main source of infection is inhaling droplets with the concerned organism exhaled by already infected cases are sources of infection or low immunity causing respiratory distress. The cold and dry air leads to tightening of airways and makes it even worse while breathing As a result, individuals suffering from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, may find it increasingly difficult to breathe during extreme cold temperatures and conditions worsen. To negate this effect, when venturing into the outdoors, layering the face and chest in warm clothing and scarves will help.
In children Bronchiolitis and pneumonia are common respiratory infection observed.
Heart Attacks: Winters is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. As the temperature falls, the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Cardiologists suggest, people over the age of 30 should avoid exhausting themselves in winter season. Also, do not overeat food during winters and preferably eat in small quantities.
Joint Pain: Flaring up of joint pains or increased pain in those who are having pre-existing joint conditions (arthritis) is seen quiet commonly in winter months. One of the most common remedies to get relief from joint pains is keeping yourselves and your feet warm. Also, wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes. Exercising is another way to get rid of all joint and muscle stiffness during winter time without overdoing it. Basking in the sun is also a great way to get rid of the joint aches. Eating healthy, including foods containing omega-3-fatty acids, vitamin C &K rich foods in your diet helps preventing joint pain. Massaging the joints can reduce joint pain.
The best tips would be to keep warm, do small exercises, take medications, Eat freshly cooked food preferably warm and rest.
In case you are experiencing any of signs or symptoms and need treatment or would like to know please contact our centres at Wockhardt Hospital. Wockhardt Hospitals is one of the countries premium hospitals that are focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Wockhardt Hospitals, a chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals has more than 25 years of experience in the creation and management of Super Specialty Hospitals in India.
Wockhardt Hospitals is regarded as a centre of excellence the healthcare domain, having facilities in North Mumbai (Mira road), South Mumbai (Mumbai Central), Navi Mumbai (Vashi), Nagpur, Nasik, Rajkot and Surat. Wockhardt Hospitals has state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our prime objective is patient safety and quality of care at all levels. The guiding philosophy is to serve and enrich the Quality of Life of patients and to make life
