Respiratory diseases become more common in winter, the season for comfy blankets and warm liquids. During the winter months, bronchitis is a respiratory condition that affects people the most often. Bronchitis is an inflammatory respiratory illness that causes coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. An infection of the bronchial tubes causes it.

In today's blog, let’s review the factors contributing to the increased incidence of bronchitis during the winter months and on protecting yourself against the condition.

Infectious bronchitis

During the winter months, people tend to be more susceptible to contracting infectious bronchitis, which infections caused by bacteria or viruses may bring on. Since more individuals remain inside and in close contact with one another during this period, the likelihood of transmitting infectious diseases increases.

In addition, exposure to cold weather may induce a narrowing of the airways, which makes it simpler for pathogens like bacteria and viruses to invade the respiratory system. Because of this, you could observe an increase in the number of occurrences of bronchitis throughout the winter, particularly among younger children and older people.

Emphysema

Emphysema, sometimes known as chronic bronchitis, is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) distinguished by a hacking cough that has persisted for at least three months. Chronic bronchitis is another name for emphysema. Although chronic bronchitis has no specific seasonal pattern, symptoms often become more severe during the colder months. This is because the lungs are susceptible to irritation from cold temperatures, which may lead to inflammation and make breathing more difficult. In addition to this, the existence of respiratory problems may make the signs of long-term bronchitis even more severe.

Winter bronchitis prevention

Stay Warm

One way to avoid getting bronchitis in the winter is to stay warm. One way is to keep yourself clean. Wash your hands often, especially after you've been around sick people. Try not to touch your face as much as possible because doing so can send germs from your hands into your respiratory system. Always properly dispose of used tissues and use them when coughing or sneezing. Following are some ways through which to help us stay safe.

Dry Clothes

When you go outdoors, wear warm clothes, and try not to spend too much time in the cold. Dry air may irritate the airways, so ensure your house is warm and has plenty of ventilation. Also, it is crucial to refrain from smoking and avoid being near others who do so since smoking may strain the lungs and worsen bronchitis symptoms.

Medications

If you get bronchitis symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs help to treat bronchitis; however, it is vital to begin treatment as soon as possible for the drugs to have the most impact. In addition, get help at an urgent care facility as soon as possible to stop the spread of the virus to other people and save your own life.

Avoid winter bronchitis! Especially in youngsters and the elderly, this respiratory ailment is contagious. Stay warm, dry, and hygienic to avoid bronchitis. If you get bronchitis signs, seek medical assistance immediately to prevent the spreading of the illness. Our urgent care doctors can help you feel better fast. Walk in or make an appointment now for quick, straightforward service. We help you remain healthy this winter!