With winters setting in there is a change in weather, chill is in the air, climate is cold and accordingly our body has to adjust with the nature’s programme. With changes in the environment outside, our body becomes susceptible to changes internally and therefore is prone to various common illnesses. Some of these are given below.
1) Common Cold & Fever - Colds are minor contaminations of the nose and throat brought about by in excess of 200 viruses. Rhinovirus is the most widely recognized reason, representing 10 to 40 percent of colds. A cold may last for about one week, but some colds last longer, especially in children, the elderly and those in poor health. Kids start feeling weak, sniff quite a few times, complain of a headache, body ache, cough and lack of taste. It generally impacts kids with low immunity, due to change in weather, exposure to an infected individual's cough. Avoid feeding your child anything cold, or that causes mucous such as curd or banana especially at night. Feed kids with fruits and vegetables such as oranges, pineapples and nuts to boost immunity. Home-made kaadha prepared with Tulsi leaves, peppercorns, grated ginger, and honey is a great way to do away with cold.
2) Tonsil Infection - Tonsils are the two lymph hubs situated on each side of the back of your throat. They work as a protection component. They help keep your body from disease. When the tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis. Irritation of the throat, pain in the throat, enlarged tonsils, unable to gulp food or liquids are the common symptoms of found in people suffering from tonsillitis. Major causes for tonsillitis are eating anything cold, virus or bacteria in the air. Avoid feeding your child anything cold when the weather is cold. Cover their ears and neck when the wind is too strong, or before sleeping under a fan/ AC. Have a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, fruits, vegetables and nuts to boost immunity. Gargle with warm water every day with a hint of salt to avoid infection.
3) Acute Ear Infection - An ear disease happens when a bacterial or viral contamination influences the middle ear — the areas of your ear simply behind the eardrum. Ear contaminations can be painful as a result of aggravation and liquid development in the middle ear. Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Common Ear pain, Blocked Ears, Itchy Ears are clear symptoms of ear infection. Excessive cold may result into an acute ear infection. Another cause of bacterial ear infection is due to moisture in the ear. A ear infection can occur even overnight, so it is best to identify it at the earliest. Treat the cold immediately before it hampers the lungs, ears and sinusitis. After a swimming session, shower or beach trip, make sure your ears are clean and dry.
4) Bronchitis - Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed. The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing. It most commonly is caused by a viral infection and is spread from person to person when coming in direct contact with nose and throat fluids of someone carrying the virus. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive flatulence, vomiting, and fever are a clear indication of bronchitis. Infected water and food and unclean hands can be blamed for the disease to occur. Maintaining hygienic conditions and keeping oneself hydrated is one method to keep bronchitis away.