The fluctuations of temperature, dry air and pollution favor respiratory infections and allergic crises in this period of the year
Dripping nose, sneezing and frequent cough are common symptoms during the fallBut don’t always indicate the same thing. With the arrival of the season, respiratory diseases become more frequent and the confusion between the paintings of allergic origin and those caused by infections, such as influence And cold.
“Autumn is a station marked with great temperature fluctuations. For those who already have an inflammation of the airways, this represents a threat because it can encourage allergic and infectious paintings,” says Fatima Rodrigues Fernandes, president of the Brazilian allergy and immunology association (asbai).
During this period of the year, the air is also more dry, which makes the dispersion of dust, pollutants and microorganisms difficult. With multiple particles deposited in the atmosphere, the possibility of these materials increases.
Finally, with lower temperatures, individuals tend to remain closed and closer. “(That) favors the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases, from common viruses to SARS-CoV-2 OR influence“Says Sandra Guimarães, lung of the German hospital Oswaldo Cruz.
Allergic diseases
Individuals with asthmaRhinite, sinusitis or other allergic respiratory diseases often have manifestations more often during the fall. This happens both due to the dispersion of the lower particles and the weather conditions. The largest dryness of the air, for example, can lead to the dryness of the mucous membranes, which generate paintings of discomfort, nasal obstruction and, in more serious cases, bleeding.
Sandra explains that when the environment is dry, polluted or full of annoying particles, such as dust or allergens, the respiratory system activates natural defense mechanisms to protect the airways: it increases the production of mucus (which leaves the nose dripping) and sends more inflammatory cells with vulnerable points, such as nose and breasts of the face. They help fight attackers, but they can also cause typical rhinitis symptoms.
- Rhinitis
According to Asbai, allergic rhinitis is more common after 2 years and reaches about 26% of Brazilian children. In teenagers, this percentage reaches 30%. Symptoms include Frequent itching in the nose and/or in the eyes, if he denied sneezing, especially in the morning and in the evening, frequent nose that colas and nasal obstruction.
- Asthma
Asthma affects about 10% of the Brazilian population, according to Habsai. Symptoms include lack of breath, hissing breath, cough, kept in the chest and, depending on the severity of the disease, limitation for daily activities.
- Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the face, also called paranasal sinuses, a series of bone cavities located on the face that communicate with the nose. The most common symptoms are nasal congestion; Yellowish nasal secretion; feeling of weight or pain in the face; Night cough; heachache; feeling of secretion that drips behind the nose (post nasal); Decrease in the smell and a “covered” ear feeling.
- More vulnerable groups
“More inhospitable is the environment, the more symptomatic we get. In this context, people who tend to be more sensitive, such as asthmatic, become more symptomatic right now and the number of upper airways infections grows exponentially”, says the lung.
Tabagists They are also often affected in this scenario. “Those who smoke have continuous inflammation. Not only from the airways, but from the oral and nasal mucosa. When adding it to climate change and dryness of the air, leads to the activation of bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis crisis”, explains Sandra.
Children, the elderly and people who already suffer from lung diseases are the most vulnerable, says Maria Vera Cruz, a lung at the public state hospital (HSPE). This applies to allergic and infectious diseases. “When these patients are infected with some viruses, the possibility of complication or a longer condition is much higher.”
Infectious diseases
The symptoms of common infectious diseases in this period of the year can be similar to those of allergic diseases, but there are some thin differences. “When you have an allergic picture, it does not cause many physical symptoms: malaise, lack of appetite, weakness. In the case of allergic diseases, the individual will have more nasal fluid, sneezing, hiss”. Maria.
Diagnosis, however, always requires a specialized evaluation. “Each person has their own defense and a particular way of interacting with these pathogens. Some are less aggressive, while others trigger more intense immune reactions,” says Sandra.
“The most common examples are Sars-Cov-2 and influence A, which in addition to being very contagiouscan cause defense reactions in the pulmonary parenchyma, forming inflammatory processes or Pneumonswhich represents the risk of patients’ lives, “he continues.
The beginning of infections is quite similar to what happens to other viruses, such as adenovirus, rhinovirus and pilot. The main difference is that the symptoms triggered by these pathogens are cars -Limiti, last from 2 to 3 days and the image is called cold.
“The flu, since it is more aggressive, can last from 5 to 7 days and cause more inflammation and symptoms, therefore to be called influence. High fever, persistent cough and lack of breath are warning signs that indicate the need for a facial medical evaluation and in the first interventions”, explains Sandra.
It is recommended to observe the degree of symptoms. “If, instead of improving, they start worsening, it is necessary to look for medical assistance for the correct diagnosis,” says Fatima.
Guide
Sandra stresses that being with Updated vaccination portfolio And the maintenance of basic personal hygiene care is essential to cross autumn and winter without important breathing problems.
Avoid poorly ventilated environments and/or with many people and contact with symptomatic individuals are other measures highlighted by specialists. “We drive mothers a lot. If the child has symptoms – fever, nose that cola, cough – should not go to school until recovery. This, when possible, is also true for adults,” says Fatima.
“Another point is to rest. The body is invaded by an external pathogen agent. He must maintain the strength to defend himself through antibodies,” teaches.
Also the reinforcement of hydration, in particular children and the elderly maintain a balanced and varied diet. “The more hydrated the mucosa, the better the respiratory device works.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
