Dr. Mir Anayat
In addition of general ailments, there are many other diseases which live with you for the life time but intensify in winters. Here is how you can fight them back:
Heart attacks
Heart attacks are more common in winters. During colder seasons, heart disease cases tend to increase because the cold, winter temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can inevitably cause the person to be at risk for stroke, myocardial infarction and artery rupture. Additionally, people are outside performing tasks that require considerable effort, such as shoveling snow, which puts strain on the cardiovascular system. Anyone with a cardiovascular condition should check with their physician before exerting themselves in cold weather.
TIP:-
Ø Stay warm in your home. Heat the main rooms you use to at least 18C and use hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed. Wrap up warm when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves.
Arthritis
Arthritis is another condition that may be triggered or made worse by the cold weather. Most people who suffer from arthritis will agree that cold, damp weather increases their arthritis pain; some can predict if it is going to rain or snow based on their level of pain and stiffness. Research from Tuft’s University suggests changes in barometric pressure worsen knee pain in people with arthritis, while colder temperatures can cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness. Other studies have shown very few or no links between weather and point pain.
TIP:-
Ø If the cold weather bothers your arthritis pain, keep moving! Your joints need exercise as it helps to lubricate them to prevent/reduce pain.
Ø Supplements and vitamin D helps some people.
Ø Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins K and C have been noted to curb inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Ø Many people get a little depressed during the winter months, and this can make them perceive pain more acutely. Keep away from stressors’ and stressful environment.
Mental Health
Mental health issues, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often follow climatic changes, with sufferers experiencing extreme depression during the long, dark, cold days of winter. SAD is believed to be linked to levels of melatonin, a hormone that is influenced by light, which promotes sleep. Sufferers generally experience total loss of interest, problems with sleeping and eating, irritability, and a pervasive depressed mood. Physicians commonly prescribe light therapy and antidepressants to ease the symptoms of SAD.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a seasonal concern for those who live in a cold environment. Frostbite involves freezing of the tissue with micro vascular occlusion and subsequent tissue anoxia. Some of the tissue damage may result from reperfusion during re-warming. The area is described as cold and numb, and there is often intense pain on thawing and re-perfusion. Signs will depend on the degree of injury and on the stage of thawing. Frostbite can permanently damage the body; severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among those who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Chilblains
Non-freezing cold injury occurs as a result of exposure to low temperature over a long period of time without freezing of tissue fluids. Chilblains typically occur on the face, tibial surface, or dorsum of the hands or feet, areas poorly protected or chronically exposed to the environment. There are pruritic, red-purple skin lesions like small bumps. Continued exposure leads to ulcerative or hemorrhagic lesions which progress to scarring, fibrosis, or atrophy with itching replaced by tenderness and pain.
TIP:-
Ø Tetanus prophylaxis if indicated in frostbite
Ø Air dry the area – do not rub it at all.
Ø Apply topical Aloe Vera cream or gel if available.
Ø Protect from re-freezing and any direct trauma. Use large, dry, bulky dressings and elevate the body part if possible.
Ø Consult doctor.
Ø Ensure the patient is rehydrated. Give warm fluids where possible.
Ø Don’t smoke, it can worsen symptoms.
Ø Always wear warm gloves, socks and shoes when going out in cold weather.
Ø Don’t immediately warm up after coming from cold exposure.
Dry skin
Dry skin is a common condition and is often worse during the winter, when environmental humidity is low. Moisturizing is essential during winter. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing lotions and creams aren’t absorbed by the skin. Instead, they act as a sealant to stop the skin’s natural moisture evaporating away.
The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower while your skin is still moist, and again at bedtime.
TIP:-
Have warm, rather than hot, showers. Water that is too hot makes skin feel more dry and itchy. Hot water will also make your hair look dull and dry.
On one side Kashmir is becoming a global winter tourist destination but on other side it brings lot of sufferings to the inhabitants of Kashmir due to ill preparedness of people and authorities at larger end. It is rightly said “God helps those who help themselves”. So know how to prevent winter triggered ailments and be prepared for the change.
The author is a medical practitioner with diploma in medical journalism. He is also trained in dug de-addiction from NIMHANS Bangalore.
The article appeared in print edition of Jan 4-10, 2017
