How to Maintain Your Respiratory Health During Winter

How to Maintain Your Respiratory Health During Winter:

Winter has finally arrived, as evidenced by foggy mornings and chilly evenings. Seasonal celebrations and family get-togethers, however, also bring back health issues, particularly respiratory illnesses. Some respiratory diseases are more prevalent in winter due to a variety of reasons, though they can occur any time during the year.

We are affected by fog and smog as a result of pollution in the air. Poor ventilation indoors can accelerate the spread of disease during winter. Asthma and COPD patients often experience an exacerbation, meaning the symptoms worsen. Winter also increases the chances of Asthma attacks because the cold weather makes people more susceptible to infection and because they spend more time indoors where allergens such as dust mites, pet hairs, and mold are more likely to aggravate allergies.

Most common respiratory illnesses that are more common in winter:

• The common cold is a very contagious illness, as the name implies. In spite of their typically mild and self-limiting nature, they can lead to a lot of discomfort and malaise.
• Common colds are caused by a wide range of viruses, although Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is more severe than a cold and can take weeks or even months to recover from.
• Basically, when your tubes carrying air to your lungs develop inflammation and swelling, you have bronchitis. As a result, you develop a persistent cough and phlegm.
• Infections can cause the air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid or pus resulting in pneumonia. If you have trouble breathing in enough oxygen, your blood can't get enough oxygen.
• An acute sinus infection causes inflammation and swelling of the sinuses inside your nose. Consequently, mucus builds up in the nose, causing headaches and obstruction of the drainage.

To maintain a healthy respiratory system, you can do the following:

• Layer warm clothing over your body to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading germs. If your hands are dirty, do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• You should wear a mask or cover your face when you are outside. Additionally, avoid venturing outside during smog or when too much pollution is present.
• Toxic pollutants are at their peak during morning jogs when the air quality is poor around your place. It's better to participate in indoor aerobic exercises instead.
• Improve your lung capacity by doing breathing exercises.
• Eliminate allergens, such as dust and mold, by cleaning your home. Regularly vacuum and clean rugs, carpets, and couches.
• Avoid crowded places, and don't smoke.
• Make sure the air in your home is well-ventilated; you may wish to try an air purifier or a humidifier.
• Maintain proper hydration to avoid breathing in dust. Consult your doctor about taking steam.
• Maintain a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Turmeric, ginger, and citrus fruits are some of the foods that boost the immune system
• Do not consume processed or junk food, fried foods, oily foods, or canned foods loaded with additives and artificial flavors. These foods could cause throat irritation.
• Take influenza and pneumonia vaccines as directed by your doctor
• If you have a lung condition or are susceptible like an elderly person, you should schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and make sure your prescriptions are updated
• You can take some of these steps to stay safe. It is best to consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that are alarming.