The cottons are packed, and the woolens are out. Winter has arrived in Bangalore. While the cool winter is a welcoming change from the hot summers, your joy must not turn it to winter woes with frequent ENT issues that are common during the cold season. So, let’s understand the common ENT issues to watch for and what pediatric ENTs in Bangalore recommend to protect children from winter challenges.
The cold winters are a contributing factor to health problems affecting the ears, nose, and throat. The cold, dry air weakens the mucus membrane that protects the lining of your nose, sinuses, and throat. This makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate the body, causing health problems including cold, flu, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to infections due to their weak immune systems.
ENT health issues during winter affect both kids and the elderly alike. To protect children and avoid ENT issues in elderly people, it is important to understand the common ENT issues and ways to protect the vulnerable.
The common cold is characterized by a runny nose or nasal congestion. Sometimes accompanied by a sore throat, colds can last up to even a week. In most cases, symptoms disappear on their own without medications. However, if symptoms persist for a long time, it is advisable to visit an ENT specialist hospital in Bangalore for appropriate treatment.
Another common health issue during cold Bangalore winters is the onset of flu. The flu is a virus that typically affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of flu include a cold, cough, and sore throat, often accompanied with a mild headache and body pain. Although there is no cure for the flu, your pediatric ENT in Bangalore can prescribe medications to minimize the effects of the symptoms.
The sinus is a hollow, air-filled space connected to your nasal passage. It produces mucus that cleans the air you breathe. When the sinuses are inflamed or swollen due to a virus, allergy, or bacteria, the mucus becomes blocked, causing facial pain and stuffiness. Cold air and allergens can cause severe sinusitis during winter, increasing pediatric and ENT problems in elderly people.
Another common ENT issue to watch for in winters is middle-ear infections, especially in children. Fluid trapped in the Eustachian tube is a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, causing middle-ear pain and fever. Visit your pediatric ENT in Bangalore if your child complains of ear pain.
