Winter is not kind to our body. Low temperatures, freezing wind and humidity put a strain on our body, often weakened by lack of light and reduced physical activity.
While winter viruses remain the main culprits of seasonal illnesses, other conditions are directly linked to climatic conditions. Some are little known but can have a significant impact on your health.
Wind-induced keratitis: when the cold attacks your eyes
Why is cold wind so harmful?
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea which can be caused by external aggressions, such as cold and dry wind.
Symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
How to protect yourself?
Winter wind quickly dehydrates the eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. This disrupts the tear film that naturally protects your eyes. In France, nearly 20% of winter ophthalmological consultations concern irritations linked to this condition.
Wear wraparound sunglasses on windy days and moisturize your eyes with artificial tears. If pain persists, consult an ophthalmologist to avoid any complications, such as infection or ulceration of the cornea.
Cold hives: an unexpected allergic reaction
Who is affected?
Hives are rather rare and occur during exposure to cold. It manifests itself by red patches, intense itching, or even swelling of the skin.
Although rare, cold urticaria can affect up to 2% of the world’s population, with a higher prevalence among young adults. This allergy can even lead to serious reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, when swimming in cold water.
What to do if you have symptoms?
Consult an allergist and avoid prolonged exposure to cold. Antihistamines may be prescribed to relieve attacks.
In the event of serious reactions, treatment with adrenaline may be essential.
Frostbite: not just a finger problem
How to recognize them?
Frostbite, caused by poor blood circulation to the extremities, often occurs in cold, wet weather. They mainly affect the hands, feet, nose and ears.
Frostbite manifests itself with redness, swelling, pain and a burning sensation. Severe cases can lead to permanent skin damage. Affected areas may even turn blue or black in extreme cases, a sign of necrosis.
Prevention above all
Dress warmly and wear gloves, wool socks and insulated shoes.
If frostbite occurs, gently warm the affected area with warm (not hot) water and seek medical attention promptly if blisters appear or pain persists.
Acute winter bronchitis: exacerbated by cold air
Why is winter good?
While bronchitis is often associated with viruses, cold, dry air can make symptoms worse. This inflammation of the bronchi causes a persistent cough and a feeling of chest tightness.
Cold air irritates your airways and weakens your lungs’ natural defenses. Smokers and people with asthma are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, indoor heating systems dry out the air, increasing irritation.
Good gestures
Humidify your indoor air with a humidifier, cover your nose and mouth when you go outside to breathe warmer air, and avoid strenuous physical exertion outdoors when temperatures are very low.
Chronic sinusitis: pain amplified by the cold
A widespread problem
Winter is a difficult season for people prone to sinusitis. Cold, dry air promotes inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, causing facial pain, headaches and congestion.
Nearly 15% of French people suffer from sinusitis each year, and symptoms can be aggravated by temperature variations. Clogged sinuses create an environment for bacteria to grow, making the condition worse.
Relieve sinusitis
Clean your nose regularly with saline or saline nasal spray. Inhaling hot water vapor with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil can help relieve congestion.
Consult a doctor for appropriate treatment if symptoms persist.
Joint pain: cold as a trigger
A shared suffering
Winter can intensify pain in people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. Low temperatures cause muscles and tendons to contract, increasing stiffness.
Around 10 million French people suffer from joint pain, and a large proportion of them feel worse in winter. Humidity also plays a role in increasing feelings of stiffness and discomfort.
The solutions
Engage in gentle physical activity, such as yoga or swimming, to maintain joint mobility.
Wear thermal clothing to keep your joints warm, and consider massages with warming essential oils to relieve pain.
Winter urinary infections: when the cold weakens you
Preventing urinary infections
Prolonged exposure to cold can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of urinary infections, especially in women. Symptoms include pain when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, and sometimes fever.
Drink plenty of water to help eliminate bacteria, dress warmly to keep the pelvic area warm, and avoid synthetic underwear that promotes humidity.
Did you know?
Nearly 50% of women will experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their life, and winter is a good time for them to appear. Cold slows blood circulation, which can weaken the bladder’s natural protective barrier.
If winter brings its share of joys, it can also hold some unpleasant surprises for your health. By taking simple precautions, like covering up well, moisturizing your skin and eyes, and paying attention to your body’s signals, you can avoid these winter illnesses.
NAMELY
Did you know that the cold can weaken your nose’s natural defenses? Scientific studies have shown that low temperatures reduce the effectiveness of extracellular vesicles, these small structures that neutralize pathogens. Result: your nose becomes more vulnerable to respiratory infections. So, remember to cover your nose carefully this winter to protect this first line of defense!
