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Between the rain and the falling temperatures, the days are very cold and you only have one fear: getting sick! To avoid catching a virus, there is a simple tip to implement, recommended by doctors. Here’s which one.
A mild viral infection, the common cold causes a runny nose, sneezing, a feeling of stuffy nose and dry mouth. Not very pleasant! Is there a trick to avoid getting sick? American doctors share advice.
Do not let your upper airways dry out
In an article published on HuffPost UK, Dr. Amy Brown, pulmonologist and instructor at the University of New York Medical College explains that “the nasal device is designed to be a first step in the fight against infection and allows the filtering of irritants present in the environment”.
According to this expert, when the weather is dry and cool, the nasal passages dry out and the risk of catching a cold increases. “This makes it harder for the nose to keep that layer of mucus moist.” adds Amy Brown.
According to Dr. Peter Hwang, a head and neck surgeon also interviewed, “A healthy nasal system relies on both proper anatomy to allow good airflow and a well-hydrated mucus layer that helps keep the nose moist and clean.”
To limit the risk of infection, it is therefore important to keep the upper airways moist. How do you know if this is the case? If your nasal passages are too dry, you are likely suffering from nasal pain and itching, accompanied by a feeling of discomfort. It is also possible to notice the appearance of crusts within the mucous membrane and a yellow mucus with a dry appearance. Not to mention suffering from nosebleeds.
What are the ways to moisten your nasal mucosa?
Dr. Amy Brown reveals some tips for keeping your nasal mucosa sufficiently moist. “Ensuring ideal and appropriate humidity levels in your indoor living space is truly the key to long-term relief.” she says. “If your nose is dry and on top of that, your lips – and your skin in general – are dry, this may indicate that your indoor environment is rather dry.“. So make sure that your interior has a sufficiently high level of humidity.
Nose washing, a beneficial solution to avoid colds?
Finally, according to Dr Guillaume Barucq, general practitioner, performing nose washes can also help limit winter infections such as colds. “Several studies have proven the effectiveness of nose washing in preventing infections by certain viruses. And for good reason: the vast majority of viruses we catch in winter enter through the nasal passages. Blowing your nose well and cleaning regularly using hypertonic solutions – saltier than physiological serum – is therefore essential. THE nose wash helps with decluttering, increases respiratory comfort and reduces complications, because the viral load is lower” he explained to us in an article devoted to the subject.
An important gesture to master according to him. “The most important thing is not to do it halfway: the water that enters must flow through the opposite nostril. For this, the jet must be sufficiently penetrating. This very important health gesture is also valid for children.“. So don’t hesitate to ask your doctor, pediatrician or midwife to show you how to perform a nose wash.
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