Cool weather: beware of these diseases

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Extract from the article: The wave of cool weather that blows through these days has an impact on health. And a whole range of illnesses can flare up during this period. They constitute a real public health problem. These include respiratory allergies, nasopharyngeal infectio

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The wave of cool weather that blows through these days has an impact on health. And a whole range of illnesses can flare up during this period. They constitute a real public health problem. These include respiratory allergies, nasopharyngeal infections, seasonal flu and bacterial bronchopneumonia.

The cooler weather can have a major impact on the health of the most vulnerable sections of the population, especially the elderly, the chronically ill and infants. But it is above all the viral infections encouraged by the cold that risk aggravating their condition and leading to complications requiring hospitalisation.

Allergic respiratory diseases

Allergic respiratory diseases are caused by the body's immune response to an allergen, and are therefore not due to microbes. The most common symptoms are a runny, blocked nose, itchy, watery eyes, sore throat, dry cough and sometimes an asthma attack. The most common allergens are dust, fresh air, carpets, smoke and pets. The most common allergies are colds, flu, bronchitis and nasopharyngitis.

Asthma attacks, respiratory insufficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are often triggered and aggravated by cool weather.These environmental factors are always taken into account when understanding the mechanism of these diseases.Inhaling cold air impairs breathing and irritates the respiratory tract.

Antibiotics are not necessary except in cases of bacterial superinfection. In the event of an asthma attack, or difficulty breathing, especially when exhaling, consult a doctor.

Rhinopharyngeal infections

Although they are usually benign, they are a major occupational handicap. In most cases, they are caused by viral agents.The symptoms are a blocked nose and a runny nose, which may be a clear, yellowish liquid. Angina manifests itself as a sore throat, particularly when swallowing, with a sensation of a closed glottis, sometimes associated with fever, tiredness and muscle and joint pain.Angina must be treated systematically, especially when it is bacterial in origin, particularly in children, as it can be responsible for extremely serious secondary heart disease.

What are the other risks?

Other cold-related risks include carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty or poorly regulated heating appliances.Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin and takes the place of oxygen, leaving the heart and brain without oxygen. Frostbite is characterised by painful swelling of the feet or hands due to cold snaps.

Frostbite is generally linked to a blood circulation anomaly. The increase in cardiovascular disease is an almost mechanical consequence of the temperature. When it's cool, blood vessels contract to limit heat loss from the body.This leads to greater blood viscosity, which puts the heart to a severe test.

Viruses are more resistant in cool weather

In the case of viruses, such as the rhinoviruses that cause colds, cool temperatures are an advantage.While waiting to warm up in the body to ‘hatch’, the microbe is enveloped in a small protective shell. The cooler the air, the more resistant the shell. Less sunlight also limits the exposure of viruses to the ultraviolet rays that naturally degrade them. In other words, the lifespan of a virus increases when the temperature drops and the sun goes out of sight. As a result, it is more contagious.

Precautions to be taken

Outdoor activities should be limited for all vulnerable people, unless absolutely necessary.People in good health can continue to be physically active, provided they warm up and try to breathe through their nose rather than through their mouth, as is usually the case when exerting themselves.

Recipe 1: ‘Esrou’ basil leaves in decoction and infusion are prepared with 5-7 grams (1-2 spoonfuls) of leaf in 1/2 litre (2 cups) of water. For the decoction, boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered container.To make an infusion, pour the boiling water over the leaves, cover and leave to cool slightly.Filter and drink one cup 3 times a day.

Recipe 2: Grind 20 cloves into a powder. Take half (1/2) to 1 teaspoon + the juice of one to 2 lemons. Boil together and sweeten with honey (1 spoonful) and drink hot in the morning and evening.

Recipe 3: Make ginger tea.Use 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, a few ground cloves and a little cinnamon.Steep in 1 cup of boiling water and drink.

William O.