As the weather changes, doctors advise on how to prevent respiratory and bone and joint diseases.

Cold, rainy weather with high humidity is one of the main causes of aggravating respiratory or bone and joint diseases.

Protect respiratory health

According to specialist doctor 2 Nguyen Trinh Lien Huong, Department of Examination, Gia An 115 Hospital (HCMC), cold, rainy and humid weather is a favorable condition for respiratory viruses and bacteria to thrive. Cold air causes the nasal and throat mucosa to contract, reducing the secretion of protective mucus, making it easier for pathogens to adhere. At the same time, blood vessels in the respiratory area contract, reducing blood flow, weakening local resistance.

High humidity also helps mold grow, respiratory bacteria spread easily through droplets, especially in closed, poorly ventilated environments. In addition, cold weather causes many people to limit going out, use heaters (dry the air) or stay in closed, poorly ventilated rooms, creating conditions for pathogens to spread.

These factors cause diseases such as colds, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. to increase significantly, especially in people with weak resistance or sensitive respiratory systems such as: young children, the elderly, people with chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis - sinusitis, or people who smoke regularly, work in polluted environments, people with chronic underlying diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney failure, immunodeficiency).

When the patient feels very tired and has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.

Photo: AI

“Normally, mild respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat can go away on their own after a few days with proper rest and care. However, if the patient feels very tired, has a persistent cough, or the cough becomes worse, or has yellow, green, or bloody phlegm, they must see a doctor immediately,” Dr. Lien Huong warned.

To protect respiratory health in cold and humid weather, Dr. Lien Huong recommends the following measures:

Keep your body warm : This is a top priority, especially the neck, chest, feet and nose and throat. You should wear enough warm clothes when going out, avoid getting wet in the rain or sudden changes in temperature, such as going from cold outside into an air-conditioned room.

Living space : Must be kept dry and airy, avoid mold because this is a favorable environment for bacteria and mold to grow, easily causing respiratory irritation. When using air conditioning, the temperature should be set at 25 - 27 degrees Celsius, avoid making it too cold and use a humidifier if necessary to avoid drying out the mucous membranes.

Diet and lifestyle : Drink enough water, eat lots of green vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C, exercise regularly to increase resistance. In particular, wear a mask when going out, limit contact with people with respiratory diseases and get regular flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to prevent serious respiratory diseases.

Musculoskeletal health care

According to specialist doctor Kim Van Trung, Department of Examination, Gia An 115 Hospital, musculoskeletal diseases become more common or relapse more severely in people with underlying diseases in rainy, cold weather with high humidity. The reason is that changes in temperature and humidity directly affect the musculoskeletal system and the body's circulatory system.

“When it is cold, peripheral blood vessels tend to constrict to keep the body warm, reducing blood flow to the muscles, ligaments and joints. As a result, these tissues are less flexible, prone to stiffness and pain, especially when moving or changing positions suddenly. At the same time, reduced blood circulation affects the process of nutrient exchange to the subchondral bone, causing inflammation to flare up in people with chronic joint disease,” said Dr. Van Trung.

In cold weather, inflammation often flares up in people with chronic joint disease.

Illustration: AI

In addition, high humidity and changes in air pressure can increase pressure in the tissues around the joints, causing slight swelling and microscopic compression, making the pain more obvious, especially in people with pre-existing joint damage. In addition, cold weather also makes people less active, making joints more likely to stiffen, muscles weaker and pain more obvious.

According to Dr. Van Trung, the following groups of people will be most clearly affected in their musculoskeletal system in cold weather with high humidity:

Elderly : Over time, the musculoskeletal system ages, cartilage wears away, synovial fluid decreases, ligaments and muscles lose elasticity. When the weather changes, these factors make them prone to pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or when just waking up.

People with chronic bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.): Changes in temperature and air pressure can trigger inflammatory flare-ups.

Office workers , sedentary people, or people who often sit in the wrong posture, work for long periods in air-conditioned environments: are prone to neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and muscle stiffness when the weather turns cold.

People with poor circulation such as people with diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure: Blood vessels constrict in cold weather, further reducing blood flow to muscles and joints, leading to pain, numbness and tingling.

People who have had trauma or surgery on bones and joints : Scar tissue or old damaged areas are often less adaptable to temperature and pressure expansion.

“Many people have the habit of self-massaging, applying plasters or applying painkillers when they have muscle, bone or joint pain, however this should only be applied when the symptoms are mild and short-term,” said Dr. Van Trung.

According to Dr. Van Trung, if the condition persists or has the following symptoms, the patient needs to see a doctor early for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment:

• Pain that persists or increases, especially if the pain does not improve with rest, massage, or conventional pain relievers.
• Joint swelling, heat, redness, or deformity, with morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in the arms or legs, especially if accompanied by pain radiating down the spine, shoulders, or hips.
• Night pain causes insomnia, weight loss, low-grade fever, or general fatigue.

To avoid musculoskeletal pain, Dr. Van Trung recommends that people keep their bodies warm, especially the neck, shoulders, back, knees and feet; maintain regular exercise, avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long; perform light exercises such as walking, yoga, stretching joints... In addition, a reasonable diet also plays an important role in protecting musculoskeletal health.

Finally, people with chronic musculoskeletal diseases need to comply with treatment, have regular check-ups and not stop taking medication on their own. If you experience increased joint pain, prolonged stiffness or swelling, heat, or redness in the joints, you should see a doctor early to get an appropriate treatment plan.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-tiet-chuyen-mua-bac-si-chi-cach-phong-benh-duong-ho-hap-xuong-khop-185251117171440493.htm