Prepare for Allergic Rhinitis, Dry Skin, Cold Burns, and Urinary Stones
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Se-ryeong] As winter arrives, bringing the saying "It's dangerous outside the blanket," just like the name of a variety show, the number of 'homebodies' and 'homebodies' is increasing. The outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants is further increasing the number of homebodies.
Although staying indoors to avoid exposure to cold air and virus infection is primarily safer, it does not necessarily mean better health.
In winter, people often keep doors tightly closed and use heating devices for long periods to avoid low temperatures and cold winds, but without proper ventilation, the air becomes dry and stale.
In such cases, exposure to allergens like mold or dust mites can cause allergic rhinitis or worsen pre-existing rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is mainly characterized by clear nasal discharge, sudden sneezing fits, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, headaches, reduced sense of smell, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media may accompany.
According to the 2020 rhinitis patient statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's national disease interest data, out of a total of 8,215,615 patients, 1,967,023 (23.9%) were recorded in January, the coldest month of the year.
Winter maintains very low humidity in the atmosphere, causing indoor air to become dry and making skin diseases more likely to occur.
The sudden temperature difference between the cold outdoors and warm indoors disrupts the balance of oils and moisture in the skin, leading to skin problems. Signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity may also appear, so sufficient hydration and care are necessary.
Care should also be taken to avoid low-temperature burns caused by heating devices or electric blankets. Electric blankets can cause skin burns due to prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
When using heating products, it is best to avoid direct contact with the body and to set a time limit for use. People with diabetes or those taking sleeping pills are at higher risk of low-temperature burns and should be especially cautious.
Because the body also becomes dry in winter, insufficient water intake can cause stones to form from calcium, phosphate, uric acid, and oxalate in the urine. These substances, which should be excreted in a dissolved form during digestion, remain in the kidneys due to dehydration, leading to stone formation.
If stones develop in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, urinary disorders such as frequent urination, residual urine sensation, urgent urination, or urinary tract infections may occur.
Medical professionals and health experts have released body care guidelines that should be practiced during winter.
For healthy indoor living in winter, it is recommended to maintain indoor temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and reduce the temperature difference with the outdoors to increase perceived temperature.
Humidity should be kept between 40 and 60%, and ventilation should be done 3 to 4 times a day?morning, noon, evening, and before and after cooking.
Also, drink water whenever you remember to avoid dehydration, and do light stretching or exercise to loosen stiff muscles caused by hunching.
Instead of very hot water, shower with lukewarm water close to body temperature, and apply moisturizers such as body lotion after showering to prevent skin dryness.
Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and consuming a balanced diet while avoiding caffeine and alcohol is beneficial for health.
Dr. Hwang Hye-rim, a family medicine specialist at Daedong Hospital Comprehensive Health Screening Center, said, "There are diseases of concern caused by improper lifestyle habits in winter," adding, "Although small, if you pay a little attention and improve them, you can have a healthy winter."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
