21 December, Kathmandu. People with lung problems are at greater risk in cold weather. Moreover, children and senior citizens should be kept safer in winter. Cold weather is even more dangerous for those with respiratory problems.
A senior chest specialist, Dr. A.S. Edited excerpt from an online news interview with Dirgh Singh Bam:
Why is a person with respiratory problems at increased risk in cold weather?
Winter is a difficult time for children and the elderly. This is especially true for those with respiratory problems. Pollution in the atmosphere is extremely high. There is not enough sun because of fog. The weather is humid.
It slows down the process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide into our body. As a result, the airways constrict and it becomes difficult when there is not enough oxygen. So winter is a bit risky for those with respiratory problems. Even those who do not have it are more likely to get respiratory and non-communicable diseases at this time.
Senior Chest Specialist Dr. Deergh Singh bomb
What are the most common respiratory illnesses in cold weather?
Colds cause asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and other non-communicable diseases. Lack of oxygen, inability to control the amount of carbon dioxide can lead to many lung diseases.
What can be done to avoid these problems?
We need to be alert and vigilant when the weather changes. You need to keep your body warm in winter. To avoid dust, use a mask, keep the room clean, if there is a problem with dust, do not stop using the mask while cleaning the room.
Wear warm clothes, warm the living space, walk in the sun as much as possible, do the work in the morning and evening as much as possible in the afternoon, use hot water while bathing. Food should be eaten nutritious, hot and spicy. If these measures are taken, you can keep yourself safe. People with respiratory problems should get regular checkups and take medication as advised by their doctor.
What is the reason for higher respiratory risk in urban areas than in rural areas?
In the case of Nepal, urban areas are polluted in many ways. The atmosphere is polluted due to various types of industries, factory pollution, transportation pollution, building construction pollution, smoke pollution. Since these pollutants are not present in rural areas, the risk is less in rural areas.
Such risk is less in developed countries. Because there is systematic urbanization. Factories are located far away from human settlements. The road there is also clean.
What else can cause respiratory problems?
Major air pollution, due to prolonged chest disease, due to smoke, dust, cold, garbage, prolonged stay in an airtight room causes respiratory problems. Food and clothing dust also cause allergies. As the allergy progresses, there may be respiratory problems.
Respiratory diseases are also hereditary?
Asthma problems can be hereditary. In addition, respiratory problems are not hereditary. Problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tonsillitis are caused by extreme cold.
What can those who live in a cold place do?
These are just some of the goal setting shareware that you can use. Because those who live in such places are wet in the same weather. Stay warm as much as possible and avoid smoke. The cause of the problem is to stay away from those things.
Can’t respiratory problems be completely cured?
If the problem is identified in time, it will happen. With timely advice and treatment, it can be eradicated. However, the doctor’s advice and suggestions should be followed honestly by the person concerned. The doctor gives advice according to the cause of the problem.
But it is said not to smoke. Once we have identified the problem, only half of the problem is solved if we are careful about what we are told to be careful. Additional drug treatment also plays a role. Doing so cures any type of respiratory disease.
