Winter and pressure on the respiratory system
When temperatures drop deeply in winter, medical facilities often record a sharp increase in the number of cases coming for examination for shortness of breath. Many people believe that this is just a normal reaction of the body to cold weather. However, according to respiratory experts, this subjective thinking can cause many dangerous diseases to be detected late.
Dr. Harshil Alwani, a Lung Consultant at CK Birla Hospital, RBH Jaipur (India), said: "Dressency is one of the most common symptoms in winter but also the most easily overlooked. Prolonged cough, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath when doing light exercise is not simply seasonal discomfort, but may be an early warning sign of potential respiratory diseases.
According to Dr. Alwani, cold air causes airways to constrict, making the mucus in the lungs thicker and hindering airflow. At the same time, the natural protective mechanism of the lungs is also weakened, making the body susceptible to virus and bacteria attacks. These changes make breathing more difficult, especially in children, the elderly, smokers and people with a history of lung disease.
Diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infections tend to worsen in the cold season.
Respiratory virus diseases are also increasing, causing the lungs to bear greater pressure, especially in people who have had lung damage before.
Signs not to be ignored and how to prevent
A common mistake is to delay seeing a doctor in the hope that symptoms will resolve on their own when the weather warms up. According to Dr. Alwani, signs such as shortness of breath when exercising lightly, frequent cough at night, prolonged chest tightness or having to use bronchodilators more and more often need to be examined early. If ignored, the condition of airway infection may worsen, causing recurrent infections, acute outbreaks and even hospitalization.
Not only cold air outside, the indoor environment in winter also contains many risks. Closing doors, poor ventilation and using heaters cause dust, smoke, allergens and exhaust gas to accumulate in the living space. This reduces the air quality in the house, easily irritating the respiratory tract and worsening symptoms of shortness of breath, especially in people with asthma or COPD.
To protect the lungs in winter, Dr. Alwani recommends maintaining flu and pneumonia vaccination, wearing masks when the weather is cold, avoiding cigarette smoke and irritants. In addition, it is necessary to keep the living space ventilated, closely monitor respiratory symptoms and see a doctor if shortness of breath lasts more than two weeks.
Experts emphasize that winter shortness of breath should not be considered a normal seasonal manifestation. Early recognition and timely treatment play an important role in protecting lung health and preventing dangerous complications.
