Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed

The arrival of winter season brings a special change in our life. When the cold winds blow after the monsoons or the heat of the summer, we need to look at our lifestyle, diet and clothing. Let's know how to prepare ourselves to welcome the arrival of winter. Winter means the feeling of cold in the freezing Konkan. Although it does not snow in Bangladesh like Europe-America or other winter countries, it drops to single digits in winter. Cold weather is especially pronounced in the northern parts of the country and rural towns. Sometimes there is a bone-chilling cold flow. Every year due to this cold weather of winter, the incidence of various viral infectious diseases increases. Children and the elderly are the most affected.

Dr. MM Majed advises to keep children away from others' sneezes and coughs to avoid serious diseases caused by winter viruses. Because millions of germs in the sneezes can infect the baby's body. In addition, different types of outside food, tea and water have a lot of germs in winter, so poisoning occurs in these foods. So experts advise to avoid these.

During winters, especially children's clothes do not fit properly, condensation in the air enters the body through the respiratory tract, use of cold water and not being clean, various types of complex diseases occur. This report contains details about the complex diseases of winter and its symptoms and prevention.

> Cold and flu

Colds and coughs are common at any time of the year, be it cold or warm weather. But in winter its intensity increases manifold. Children, adults or old people are all affected by it. About 200 types of viruses cause colds and coughs. Affected patients may have nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, sore throat, physical weakness, body aches, sneezing and fever.

A moderate amount of fluid intake, gargling with warm salt water, honey and avoiding cold water and food will usually cure a cold patient in a few days without the help of any medicine. However, children, elderly and patients with various complex diseases may require a doctor's consultation.

A cold with more severe symptoms is likely to be influenza. which is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The disease is usually transmitted through the sneeze and cough of an infected person. Additional symptoms of the common cold can include vomiting, diarrhea. Most symptoms subside within a few days, but it can take up to two weeks for the cough to get better.

This virus changes its form from year to year. Therefore, especially children, elderly and people with various complex diseases should take homeopathic medicine every year to prevent this disease. Antiviral drugs may be needed in this case. Therefore, if the severity of the symptoms is high, children, the elderly and people with complex diseases should consult a doctor.
To prevent the spread of colds and influenza, frequent hand washing, not touching the nose and mouth, and not using common household items should be avoided.

> Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the most complicated diseases caused by cold in the country. Most pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Children are most affected by this disease in Bangladesh. Many children also become life-threatening with pneumonia. However, the number of adults and elderly affected is not less. This disease can cause chills and chills with severe fever with phlegm cough, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, decreased pressure, chest pain, headache, body ache.

If you suspect pneumonia, consult a doctor immediately. Some experimentation is required. In addition, several vaccinations should be taken with the doctor's advice to protect against the attack of pneumonia.

> Sinusitis and Asthma

Sinusitis causes nasal congestion, shortness of breath, headache. It doesn't require much homeo medicine but some allergy medicine, and hot water steam can provide relief.

On the other hand, although asthma is present throughout the year, its intensity is more noticeable in winter. Mainly in winter, dry weather and cold air and various allergies cause this disease. The most important remedy for asthma is to take treatment under the advice of an experienced homeopathic doctor. Apart from this, it is necessary to follow clean environment and hygiene rules to prevent these diseases.

> Arthritis and ear infections

Winters actually increase the pain of various types of arthritis. So it is necessary to exercise along with regular medication. However, as there is a possibility of damage to the heart, kidney, and liver when taking pain medication, you must take the necessary medication for this disease as per the doctor's advice.

Also, winter can cause ear pain, dizziness, discharge of pus from the ear due to really cold weather. If not treated properly, damage to the eardrum can lead to permanent hearing problems. It is recommended to consult a doctor.

> Malaria and dengue

Winters actually see outbreaks of various mosquito-borne diseases. Especially malaria, filaria, dengue disease and various viral fever diseases are seen. Although dengue is a monsoon disease, its prevalence can also be observed in winter. In case of this disease, there is frequent fever with high temperature with shivering. Pain in the joints may also occur. If these symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Besides, be careful to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquito nets should be hung regularly.

> Diarrhea loose stools

When winter comes, viral respiratory diseases along with allergy related problems also attack. Again, diseases of hot or rainy season can cause diarrhea or constipation. At this time, children and the elderly are more likely to have diarrhea, but people of other ages can also be affected. Diarrhea and fever may also occur in newborns. In winter, children under six months of age have viral diarrhea called rota diarrhea. Viral diarrhea usually does not require any special medication. In most cases the patient recovers within five to seven days. However, drinking safe water, maintaining cleanliness, maintaining caution in eating, avoiding stale food or outside food, washing hands before eating, etc., can prevent stomach problems to a large extent.

> Skin dryness

Body skin also becomes dry due to dryness during winter. As a result, itching or pain may be felt at times. It can also be caused by allergies, especially in those who are allergic to dust.

Regular lotions or olive oil, coconut oil or glycerin can be used to avoid this problem. Then the skin will be normal. In addition, in case of itching, you must consult a doctor. If you are careful about this from the beginning, there will be no chance of itchiness or allergy spreading.

> What to do to prevent diseases in winter

Warning from dust – Dust in the air increases during winter. And it also contains various types of metals, which are harmful to health. It is better to wear a face mask to avoid this.

> What to do in diabetic patients—In those who are diabetic or long-term exposure to cold may exacerbate the disease. For this, regular doctor's advice and necessary medicines should be taken.

> Protect yourself from cold – Protecting yourself from cold is most important during winters. For this, warm clothes should be worn, ears and hands should be covered, soft clothes should be used around the neck. Children often do not keep warm clothes on the body or take them off. So one should keep a watchful eye on them. Hot water should always be used for bathing, washing hands and drinking water. Cold food and drinks should be avoided at this time.

> Drink plenty of water and exercise – Drink plenty of water even in winter. At this time, physical exertion or exercise should be done regularly even in winter to increase immunity and keep the body healthy.

Consuming foods rich in vitamin C—Vitamin C acts as an antidote to most diseases. So eat plenty of vitamin C rich foods like olives, oranges, lemons etc. So winter season brings us new opportunities and joy. Proper preparation can make this time more enjoyable and memorable. So, winter is coming—get ready and enjoy this beautiful season!

The writer is a, physician, columnist and researcher.