Winter has barely arrived and you already have a sore throat? This is a typical symptom of the season due to the combination of sudden drops in temperature, dry weather and an increase in the number of cases of respiratory infections, including colds and flu. Who has intense and chronic allergic conditions, such as rhinitis, sinusitisbronchitis and asmaends up suffering more from sore throat attacks, which tend to cause a lot of pain, irritation and intense coughing.
The good news is that it is possible to treat and prevent this very annoying problem during the coldest season of the year. Wants to know what is good for sore throat? O Life Care interviewed infectologist Flávia Cohen, who separated important tips on what to do. Check it out!
What Causes Sore Throat During Winter?
For many people, it is impossible to ignore the changes that occur in the climate when a cold front approaches or in times of change of season, since the body itself begins to give the first signs that the weather is about to turn: the congested nosethe throat gets dry, here comes the cough and when you least expect it, sore throat it is already installed.
But why does this happen more often in winter? The doctor explains why:
“With the cold, the viruses end up circulating more easily, spreading in search of a warm and humid host – the human body. As in winter we circulate more in closed environments without ventilation, the proliferation is greater”. Therefore, it is so important to strengthen the body’s defenses to adapt to this period, especially those who belong to the so-called risk groups: children, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and immunity problems.
Inflamed throat: symptoms are easy to identify!
The causes of sore throat end up varying a lot, especially during the winter. According to the infectologist, the condition may arise as a result of allergies, sinusitis, flu and colds, which are more frequent at this time of year. “In these cases, the sore throat ends up becoming a consequential and often unavoidable symptom, causing fever and pain throughout the body,” says Dr. Flavia. In addition to these, she knows other classic symptoms of sore throat:
- Mucosal swelling;
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
- redness;
- change in voice (hoarseness);
- dry cough;
- difficulty swallowing;
- bad breath;
- loss of appetite.
How to avoid sore throat in winter? Check out tips from an infectologist!
Although it seems impossible to avoid a sore throat during the winter, the specialist guarantees that there are ways to prevent the problem. Just see how:
- Strengthen immunity;
- avoid environments that are more conducive to the proliferation of the virus, such as offices and rooms with large circulation of people and poor ventilation;
- strengthen health care;
- adopt a balanced diet;
- keep a healthy sleep routine;
- exercise regularly.
If it is not possible to avoid closed and crowded environments, try to open the windows and air the places with some frequency. Another crucial tip is to respect the vaccination schedule from your city. Remember that the vaccine is the first step to combat and prevent the increase in cases of respiratory diseases. To find out if it’s your turn to get the vaccine against gripe e COVID-19look for a health center near your home.
What is the best remedy for sore throat? Treatment changes with the cause!
Before treating a sore throat on your own with a medication that you already have at home, always look for a specialist to diagnose the true origin of the problem, which can be bacterial or viral. This part is key to ensuring effective and fast treatment! “Apart from that, as palliative treatments, you can use propolis with honey, drink teas (the warm one will ease the feeling of discomfort), don’t smoke and drink a lot of fluids”, recommended the infectologist.
By following all these precautions correctly, you can strengthen your health and prevent sore throats not only during the winter, but throughout the year!
The post Care for Life.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
