If you wake up sneezing, coughing or with a heavy head, blame it on the weather. With winter at its peak, doctors say Bangaloreans are prone to health issues that require intensive precautions.
Some common winter ailments
include dry and itchy skin, seasonal allergies, chest congestion, bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma and the common cold.
“In winter, those above 60 years and below 10 years should take care not to fall sick. Those with cardiac problems, diabetics and asthma need to take precautions intensively,” said Dr Dwijendra Prasad, consultant, internal medicine, BGS Global Hospitals.
Elderly and children are more vulnerable to winter-related ailments since their immunity levels are low.
“Morning walkers are affected by mist and fog. Most of them cough up greenish-yellow phlegm, which indicates viral or bacterial infections,” he said. People suffering from arthritis and muscular problems have to be careful.
“In winter, bone tissue tend to get affected and the symptoms aggravate,” said Dr Dwijendra. Taking proper precautions may come a long way.
“Precaution is always better. Keeping yourself warm and eat hot food to keep cold and other diseases away. Covering your ears, nose and mouth while travelling on bikes and drinking hot or warm water will also keep infections at bay. Wearing a jacket or windcheater, too, will help,” said consultant physician Dr Aravind J.
Cold nights make you vulnerable
Even if you do not suffer from cold, better gargle or inhale steam in the morning and at night. Doctors say patients are more vulnerable to infections at night.
“Brushing your teeth, gargle using hot water with salt and inhale steam. Since we do not sneeze while sleeping, six to eight hours of stagnation may aid the bacteria to spread. Therefore, it is better to inhale steam before sleeping so that if there is any congestion or blockage, the steam will release it,” he said.
Avoid allergens
If you are allergic to anything, stay away from such irritants.“Pollen, smoke and early-morning mist may be common causes of allergies. Those who are allergic to pollen or such materials should keep away from them during this season,” Dr Dwijendra said.
For those who ignored precautions and are ailing, it is not too late for damage control. “If one has not taken precautions and ends up catching cold, begin gargling and steam inhalations immediately,” he said. Those working in the corporate sector should take extra precautions as they may end up spreading their condition to others.
“If you work in air-conditioned offices, the condition may worsen. So keep yourself warm and use a handkerchief. If you have a small bottle of sanitisers, it will help. While working, take hourly breaks to get out of the room and drink hot water or beverage to warm your body,” Dr Aravind said.
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