Can Cold Air Cause Shortness Of Breath
Michael Scharf, inhaling cold air may cause bronchial irritation and cough. If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , the cold air may induce bronchial tightening or constriction leading to cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. The cold air isnt the only culprit affecting your breathing.
Avoid Catching Colds Or Flu
Catching a cold or another infection can trigger your symptoms to get worse or your condition to flare up.
If you catch a cold, watch out for symptoms that get worse. Make sure you know what to do if you become breathless or start to cough up phlegm. Make sure you have numbers on hand for your out of hours GP or specialist in case you need to contact them.
Coughs And Colds In Children
8-minute read
- Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viral infections.
- Cold viruses are spread easily through droplets from the nose and mouth of infected people.
- Cold viruses can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough and lethargy.
- The best treatment for a cold virus is to rest at home so your childs immune system can fight the virus.
- Cough syrups and cold medicines are not considered effective or recommended for children.
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Can Dogs Get Sick From Cold Weather
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The seasons change, leaves fall, the temperature drops and your nose starts to run. It’s no surprise that cold weather has been proven to increase your chances of getting sick. Your noses defense cells are weakened when the thermometer is in the blue zone. This makes you susceptible to more viruses. In addition to the common cold, frigid weather can also cause hypothermia and frostbite, both of which can be life threatening! But what about dogs? They spend lots of time outdoors when the weather turns. Can they get sick from lower temps too?
Cant Breathe Easy It May Be A Sign Of Respiratory Disease
If shortness of breath, wheezing, congestion, trouble swallowing or other respiratory symptoms are making daily life uncomfortable, it may be a sign of respiratory disease. Main Line Health pulmonologists are dedicated to helping you breathe better and improving your quality of life. Visit one of our expert pulmonologists, located throughout the Philadelphia region.
Main Line Health serves patients at hospitals and health centers throughout the western suburbs of Philadelphia. To schedule an appointment with a specialist at Main Line Health, or use our secure online appointment request form.
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Going Outside With Wet Hair
Children have heard the warnings since the beginning of time: Dont go out in the cold with wet hair, or youll catch pneumonia! But with apologies to grandma , this one isnt true.
You cannot get sick from simply going outside with wet hair.
Hair being wet is not the cause for catching a cold, Dr. Goldman says. A microorganism, such as a virus, has to be involved to cause a cold.
Still, he explains, there is some logic to the old warning:
Colder air temperatures are better environments for viruses, such as the rhinovirus , to travel through the air. There is some research to suggest that the lack of sun and vitamin D during the winter may also play a role in a weakened immune system or a diminished ability to mount a response to an infection.
He adds that when people congregate indoors to avoid extreme temperatures including harsh cold or blistering heat infections that are transmitted through the air tend to pass more often and more easily from one person to another.
That means its not your hair or the weather thats making you sick. Its gathering indoors to get away from the weather, wet hair or otherwise.
What Is The ‘common Cold’
The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. Hundreds of different viruses can cause colds and they usually affect the nose, ears and throat. They are easily spread from person to person through infected droplets from the mouth and nose. They can also be passed on through coughs and sneezes.
Colds are very common. Healthy preschool children often catch at least 6 colds per year. Sometimes, after recovering from a virus kids get sick with a new and different virus, so it can seem as though they are always sick. Children are more likely to catch a cold than adults because their immune system is still developing. Most children catch fewer cold viruses as they get older.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
You might make more mucus than normal when you have COPD. Your airways and air sacs can also stop working the right way. Thatâs because they get hurt or inflamed.
Smoking cigarettes is the most common cause. But it can happen because of air pollution, asthma, or your genes. You may hear COPD called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Other than a âsmokerâs cough,â there are other signs to watch for:
- Itâs easy to run out of breath.
- Doing something active makes you winded.
- Your lungs whistle or squeak.
- Your symptoms get worse with time.
Treatment can help ease your symptoms. But thereâs no cure for COPD. If you smoke, quit. You may also need to take medicine to help you breathe. Lifestyle changes might help, as well. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have COPD.
Pneumonia Symptoms In Elders
Pneumonia is an infection of your lungs. There can be swelling or fluid in the air sacs. This can cause trouble with breathing as well as affect energy levels and overall health.
If your loved one is sick, the signs of pneumonia include:
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Can Dogs Get A Chill In Their Tummy
While shivering can be caused by many things, chills usually stem from a fever taking hold of your body. While your dog may not be able to tell you that they are feeling unusually chilly, they definitely can experience chills! A dog may shake uncontrollably before an episode of sickness likely diarrhea or vomiting.
When To See Your Gp
You should see your GP if:
- you feel very unwell or your symptoms are severe
- your symptoms are not improving after allowing a reasonable period of time
- you feel confused, disorientated or drowsy
- you have chest pain or difficulty breathing
- you cough up blood or blood-stained phlegm
- your skin or lips develop a blue tinge
- you’re very overweight and have difficulty breathing
- you have a weakened immune system
- you have a long-term health condition
It is also important to see your GP if:
- you think your child has a chest infection
- you’re pregnant
- you’re 65 or over
and your symptoms are getting worse, or your childs condition is deteriorating.
Your GP should be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms. They will also listen to your chest using a stethoscope .
In some cases, further tests such as a chest X-ray, breathing tests and testing phlegm or blood samples may be necessary.
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When Should I Seek Medical Help For A Cough Or A Cold
You should visit your GP if your child is finding their symptoms very unpleasant, or at any stage if you yourself are concerned.
Be sure to seek medical attention if your child is very unwell with symptoms such as:
- wheezing
- a ‘sucking in’ of the skin around the throat or under the ribs when breathing in
- flaring of nostrils when breathing
- breathlessness
- fever with cold symptoms
These symptoms may mean your childs illness is severe or is caused by something other than a cold virus. In this case, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor.
Can You Get Sick From Being Wet In Cold Weather
Maybe. While being cold and wet wont get you sick, certain cold viruses do thrive in a colder climate. The virus that is most responsible for causing colds, the rhinovirus, prefers a colder climate and studies have shown there is a correlation between colder temperatures and increased rhinovirus infections.
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When Might My Child Need Antibiotics
Most coughs are caused by cold viruses, so antibiotics will not help your child get better any faster. Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics when a cough is caused by a bacterial infection in the throat or chest, such as tonsillitis or pneumonia.
Get A Flu Jab Every Year
Read why Carol, Jean and Laura, who all live with a lung condition, get the flu vaccine every year.
Flu can be a serious illness, especially if youre living with a lung condition. Thats why people with long-term conditions are eligible for a free flu jab. Dont put it off. When autumn arrives, ask your GP or pharmacist about getting a free flu jab. Having a flu jab reduces the risk that you will need to be admitted to hospital.
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What Happens When Dogs Get Too Cold
A dog who gets too cold could develop hypothermia a condition that occurs when the dogs body temperature falls below normal. If the dogs temperature continues to fall, the muscles stiffen, the breathing and heart rates slow, and he could potentially die. Frostbite is less common, but can still happen.
How Do You Get Pneumonia
Have you ever been told to bundle up to avoid catching pneumonia? Or told a friend or family member not to walk outside with wet hair because he or she could get it? It might surprise you to find out that neither cold weather nor wet hair can cause you to catch pneumonia. In fact, pneumonia in itself isnt contagious, so you cant really catch it at all.
If you are wondering how do you get pneumonia, or have any other questions about this condition, FastMed can help. We are open 365 days a year to provide treatment for non-life-threatening illness and injuries, as well as ready to answer all of your health related questions.
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Get Support To Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your winter health. Now is the best time, as winter brings an increase in the risk of complications like chest infections, heart attacks and stroke.
Youre more likely to quit for good with the support of a local stop smoking service. See the help you can get.
Give us a call on 03000 030 555 if youd like more advice. Our friendly helpline team is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. They can also talk to you about extra help you might be entitled to during cold weather, such as winter fuel payments.
How Do You Get Pneumonia Fastmed Urgent Car
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Rainy Day Dangers For Dogs Petm
- Infectious pneumonia occurs in both cats and dogs. A bacterial and/or viral upper respiratory infection or cold can potentially turn into pneumonia if left untreated. Pneumonia can also occur as a result of aspiratio
- Dogs do get the flu, but it is usually caused by specific canine influenza viruses, similar to the situation with colds. However, reports have been published where humans and dogs were infected with some of the same types of influenza viruses. Previously, we did not think dogs could come down with the human flu
- The closest thing to a regular cold that dog can get is called upper respiratory infection . It can be severe or mild, and will need to be treated accordingly. Other related health problems..
- Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung usually caused by bacterial or viral infection but can be caused by inhalation of an irritant. Typical signs of bacterial pneumonia include fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy and coughing. As these can also be caused by other disease, diagnostics include a full physical exam, blood work, radiographs, and may also require bronchoscopy with.
- Pneumonia is an infection of your lungs that can require antibiotics or treatment in a hospital. A common cold usually lasts a few days or perhaps a week or two, and causes a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and coughing. Pneumonia, on the other hand, kills more than 50,000 Americans and more than 1 million children worldwide each year
Is Cold Air Bad For Lungs
Even in healthy people, cold, dry air can irritate the airways and lungs. It causes the upper airways to narrow, which makes it a little harder to breathe. Cold air can also disrupt the moisture layer that lines the lower airways in the lungs by causing it to evaporate faster than it can be replaced.
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Can You Catch Pneumonia By Being Wet Or Cold
No. Pneumonia is an infection and/or inflammation of the lungs.Being cold or wet doesn’t make you sick with Infectious Diseases.Being infected by a bacteria or virus that your immune system is unable to fight off is thecause of not only pneumonia, but virtually every communicabledisease. It is the transmission of this infectious agent thatcauses the illness, not the conditions in which the infection iscontracted.
To say that cold and/or damp conditions cause pneumonia is likesaying sleeping in a bed makes a woman pregnant simply becausethat’s where lots of women get pregnant. The correlation betweenthe two is purely coincidental.
Viral And Bacterial Infections
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Less often, it’s caused by a bacteria.
In most cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu.
The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
These droplets typically spread about 1m. They hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours.
Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else.
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When To Call The Doctor
You should call your childs doctor if your child:
- Has trouble breathing or is breathing much faster than usual
- Has a bluish or gray color to the fingernails or lips
- Is older than 6 months and has a fever over 102°F
- Is younger than 6 months and has a temperature over 100.4°F.
- Has a fever for more than a few days after taking antibiotics
When your child should stay home and return to school or childcare
Symptoms And Causes Of Cough
Most coughs are caused by the common cold, flu or bronchitis. Coughs often come with symptoms like runny nose, fever, sore throat, earache and general aches and pains.
Smoking can cause you to have a cough. Other causes include heartburn, allergies like hay fever and mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose
If you have asthma, your cough may be caused by dust, pollens, grasses, cold air or exercise.
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When Youre Out And About
Check the weather before you go out. If its too cold or breezy for you or you are not feeling well or are having trouble breathing, stay indoors and keep warm. Keep an eye on humidity levels as well, as high humidity might affect your breathing. When out and about, make sure to keep your extremities warm by wearing a hat, gloves and even an extra pair of socks if you need to.
If you have a reliever inhaler, try using it 15 minutes before going outside. Carry your reliever medication with you as cold air can tighten your airways making it harder for you to breathe.
Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as this will help warm the air you breathe in.
Protect your lungs and airways from cold air by wearing a hood or scarf that covers your mouth. Its best to use a smooth material that isnt scratchy if you can.
If youre worried about going out in cold weather, ask someone to check up on you or to go with you.