Winter is approaching, and we eagerly anticipate the early sunsets of fall. We look forward to enjoying evening coffee in our backyards, accompanied by a jar of assorted nuts. Kids of Karachiites celebrate this family time with their parents and grandparents amid bonfires, roasted sweet potatoes, and corn. Sometimes, sharing happiness amid the winter breeze can be harsh on the youngest, causing stuffy noses and sore throats. Understanding symptoms of the common cold amid catastrophic air pollution needs to be reviewed for the wellbeing of young and most vulnerable members of our society.

Changing Weather:

Blaming nature for this dry weather and the associated breathing problems this season is very easy. However, if we delve deeper into the causative factors, we realize that our activities have polluted the environment and compromised the natural green infrastructure, exacerbating our breathing problems and causing lung disease. [1]

WHO’s 2012 report, which identified air pollution as being linked to seven million deaths, is troubling as recent reports (2022) on air quality by WHO reveal that these figures have only worsened. Air pollution poses the greatest environmental risk to health. By monitoring air pollution levels and implementing WHO’s air quality guidelines, we may reduce the overall disease burden, including chronic and acute respiratory disease, asthma, and other heart and lung problems. [2], [3]

The Common COLD:

Seasonal influenza (the flu, common cold) is caused by different types of viruses. [4] It spreads easily among people when they cough or sneeze. The symptoms include:

sudden onset of fever
cough (usually dry)
headache
muscle and joint pain
severe malaise (feeling unwell)
sore throat
runny nose

Symptoms typically manifest 1–4 days after infection, and most individuals recover within one week. Those at risk of severe infection necessitate medical care, including pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, and adults with chronic medical conditions. The flu vaccine is recommended for the elderly and at-risk individuals to prevent severe disease.

Wearing an effective face mask allows us to seclude ourselves from the environment. Furthermore, complete avoidance of air pollution can be achieved by staying indoors and utilizing air purifiers and humidifiers in our rooms. For social gatherings, where the risk of infection is highest, well-ventilated open-air arenas prove better than closed, air-conditioned rooms.

Managing Symptoms of Common cold:

Once the infection is active, we must follow a vigilant self care routine and do our best to contain the infection, rather than spreading it. Some important steps are:

Frequent hand washing
Staying in a well ventilated room
Rest and sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids
Symptomatic treatment of fever[4]

Doctor’s Visit:

👩‍⚕️Understanding the red flag signs is important to seek medical help on time:

Fever > 38.5°C
Painful Throat, difficulty in swallowing.
Worsening cough compromising sleep and daily exercise.
Blocked nose and difficult breathing.
Wheezing sound with breathing in and out.
Ear ache.
Increased rate of breathing.
Red eyes.
General ill health.
Cyanosis.[6]

Steam inhalation and nebulization:

😕 We often have trouble in deciding the appropriate treatment while managing the common cold. Here is a checklist to help in understanding symptoms of the common cold and effective home management with steam inhalation and nebulization procedures.

STEAM INHALATION:

Steam inhalation is a practice of inhaling water vapor or steam to help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.

When preparing water for steam inhalation, you typically don’t need to add anything to the water. Steam effectively clears blocked nose and sinuses of the secretions associated with allergic rhinitis and pharyngitis. In dry weather conditions, steamer serves as a humidifier, enhancing indoor air quality by maintaining room humidity and alleviating irritation in airways caused by dry weather. For additional benefits, consider adding specific ingredients to the steam based on personal preferences and clinician’s advice.

Clove: We may add a clove to benefit from its soothing anesthetic , antimicrobial, decongestant, expectorant and anti inflammatory properties.
Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the water is a common practice. It may help soothe irritated nasal passages and mucous membranes. However, use a minimal amount to avoid irritation.
Eucalyptus oil: A few drops of eucalyptus oil added to the hot water provide a pleasant aroma and also has decongestant properties.
Peppermint oil: Similar to eucalyptus oil, a few drops of peppermint oil added for a refreshing and potentially soothing effect gives a feeling of respiratory relief.
Chamomile tea: Some people prefer using chamomile tea as the base for steam inhalation. Chamomile is known for its calming properties and provides additional comfort during inhalation.
Lemon slices: Adding a few slices of fresh lemon to the water gives a pleasant aroma and a feeling of freshness.

While Steam inhalation is beneficial, too much of warm air can be overwhelming for our delicate mucosa. Moderation and cautious use of ingredients is advised.

NEBULIZATION:

A nebulizer actively transforms liquid medication into a fine mist, enabling medicine delivery into the lungs with deep breaths. Healthcare professionals often recommend nebulization for individuals with respiratory conditions affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract. The primary purpose is to ensure the effective delivery of aerosolized medication.

Saline Nebs: Nebulized saline can help soothe irritated airways and facilitate the clearance of mucus. It also helps to moisten the airways in post operative surgical patients, in known asthmatics and other known respiratory diseases.
Medication in Nebulizer: A number of inhaled medicines for lung diseases are given through inhalation therapy using a nebulizer in measured divided doses by clinicians.
Chest Physiotherapy: Before and after nebulization, it is advised to practice chest physiotherapy and cough out excessive secretions in the airways, to enhance medicine delivery and decrease the infection load, respectively.

Since it is a medication delivery system, with inhaled substances directly going to the upper and lower airway, it is advised to maintain exceptional hygiene before and after using a nebulizer. Here is a guide to the setup and cleaning of nebulizers: How to Use a Nebulizer Fact Sheet[5]

Words of Wisdom:

Understanding symptoms of the common cold and effective home management may decrease hospital visits and improve overall health of our family members. A well balanced diet including fresh fruits and herbs, along with the home cooked herbal teas will boost the immunity to recover from cold and flu in this season. Be sure to try Healin organics Moringa tea which is sure to boost your energy and immunity in this challenging weather. Breathe easy!

For questions, feel free to ask in the comments section.

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Understanding symptoms of the common cold