Breathing in Winter – Protecting Your Body. An Article on Winter Illnesses

Flu and ear and throat infections have long become a staple of winter – which we're right in the middle of now. Did you know flu complications can even lead to death? That's why it's wise to be extra cautious and not neglect it, even if it's "just the flu." According to Professor Ilana Duek, head of the ENT department at Carmel Hospital from the Clalit Group, "Correct identification and diagnosis of ear, nose, and throat problems allow for quick and successful treatment of winter illnesses."

Most winter illnesses are caused by viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, mouth, throat) and are transmitted through droplet infection, meaning infection by dispersal of minute saliva particles containing the virus - whether during coughing, sneezing, or even speaking. The infection worsens in winter due to staying in closed, unventilated spaces and proximity to sick children or adults in the environment. Cold and runny nose are the most common symptoms, usually manifesting as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat. These diseases are mostly caused by viruses, often from the rhinovirus group, but not only them, and they are time-limited.

In most cases, viral illnesses are time-limited and do not respond to antibiotic treatment. However, in some patients, inflammation and edema in the upper respiratory tract, combined with reduced body resistance, can cause secondary complications and the appearance of other diseases related to the upper respiratory tract, such as ear infections (more common in children), sinusitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, and even pneumonia.

"Ear infections are usually caused by an infection of the middle ear resulting from blockage of the ear canal," explains Professor Duek. "It should be noted that under normal circumstances, the middle ear contains air as long as the ear canal is open. The ear canal opens to the nasal pharynx and normally opens every time we swallow or yawn, for example.

If the nasal pharynx becomes inflamed by a viral process, the ear canal will become blocked, the middle ear will not ventilate, and it will become secondarily infected, usually by bacteria found in the oral and pharyngeal cavity."

Ear infections are more common in children and manifest as severe ear pain, high fever, and sometimes discharge from the ear. Young children who cannot express their pain will "tug at their ears" or rub them while crying, and may look very ill, with high fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, it is necessary to puncture the eardrum and drain the pus from the middle ear.

"Similarly, drainage of the sinuses located on either side of the nose can become blocked. The sinuses, filled with air, drain into the nose itself through several ventilation openings. If any process blocks the sinus openings, acute sinusitis can develop, manifested by severe headaches, pain in the upper teeth area, pain around the eyes, pain when moving the head, nasal blockage, and significant coughing. In such cases, local treatment in the nose is warranted using nasal drops (limited to a few days only, 3-5 days only), treatment with nasal steroid inhalers, and also antibiotic treatment."

Other complications of acute upper respiratory tract infections include inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis), trachea and bronchial inflammation (bronchitis), and in more severe cases, even pneumonia. "Older adults, chronic disease patients, and immunocompromised individuals are most susceptible to secondary infections and pneumonia," Professor Duek explains.

These infections can be directly caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, or sometimes a bacterial infection secondary to a viral infection. These infections are often severe and will be accompanied by shortness of breath, high fever, and cough.

It is very important to diagnose the signs early and start treatment within 24-48 hours, notes the professor, when the treatment is more effective and shorter.

There is critical importance in preventing infections. First and foremost, vaccinating high-risk populations against infections and complications, as every year we encounter unnecessary death cases due to immune suppression.