With the sudden changes in temperature these days, respiratory problems become more common in emergency consultations. It is estimated that six out of ten patients who consult this service do so for respiratory problems.
This figure, with the increase in rains in April, could increase and worsen respiratory problems, therefore the average number of consultations for influenza, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Symptoms, such as sneezing, headache, malaise, nasal congestion, cough and sore throat, are the most frequent these days.
“We are in a rainy season and in a city where air currents are frequent and these drastically change the temperature, which affects all of us if we do not protect ourselves, but especially children and the elderly,” he points out. the doctor Isabel Palaciosinterventional pulmonologist, from Medical Center.
According to the specialist, the inside of the nose is covered by an epithelium or mucosa, in which viral and bacterial particles that enter the body through the nostrils are deposited.
These particles are eliminated by the body when they reach the stomach, but during the cold weather, these epithelia do not function as in normal times, so the body is more susceptible to getting sick from viruses that enter through the nose.
Likewise, drastic changes in temperature cause the body’s defense mechanisms to fall and diseases to activate, because bacteria and viruses, associated with the respiratory tract, move in cold and humid environments.
According to doctors, the most important thing is to protect the airway, wash your hands frequently with soap, sneeze into your elbow, and wear a mask. It is important to remember the vaccination schemes against influenza and pneumococcus, and to protect children and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable to these pathologies.
When washing hands with soap, doctors recommend avoiding crowded places, using tissues to cough, sneeze leaning on your elbow, and use face masks, if you don’t have tissues, which are hopefully disposable.
“It is recommended to consult a doctor when there is a persistent fever for more than 24 hours, respiratory failure, the desire not to eat in children and not sleeping in the elderly. Don’t send the children to school,” says Dr. Palacios.
The specialist recommends avoiding self-medication, as it is necessary to remember that flu medications can cause heart problems. That the use of antibiotics can cause much more serious problems.
Between a cold and the flu there is an average period of three days, if after that there is no improvement it is recommended to consult a doctor. The same as when you have a fever above 38°, present mobilization of greenish-yellow secretions or difficulty breathing.
To protect yourself during this rainy season, it is also recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin C, avoid crowded places, keep warm, and avoid going out when we know there are drastic weather changes. If you are going out, protect yourself.