"Diving" cooling is coming! Experts remind: Beware of this kind of disease

Yesterday it was still a scorching summer day with the temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius, but today I was shivering due to the sudden cold air.

Starting from the afternoon of March 2, affected by the strong cold front, the temperature in many parts of the country experienced a "rocket-like" rise in temperature and then a "dive-like" drop in temperature. In Hunan, the temperature dropped by 24℃, and the body felt directly retreated from early summer to winter. The cold wave "struck back" in early spring, which even flooded everyone's circle of friends.

The "roller coaster" weather changes hide health risks, and are especially likely to cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and colds in vulnerable groups.

In this regard, Li Shenglu, director of the comprehensive outpatient department and chief physician of Hunan Provincial Chest Hospital, reminded the public to enhance their self-protection awareness and guard against the adverse effects of low temperature and rainy weather on health, especially the elderly, infants and patients with underlying diseases. They should try to wear masks when going out, add clothes in time, and keep warm.

In addition to taking routine cold-prevention and warm-keeping measures, it is also necessary to focus on preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases:

Low temperature can aggravate diseases such as cerebral infarction, stroke, and arthritis

Director Li Shenglu said that "diving" cooling can cause blood vessels to contract, insufficient blood supply to the heart, myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, and easily lead to a series of cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Therefore, patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases should pay special attention to keeping warm in low temperature or sudden temperature drop to avoid worsening of their condition.

When the weather changes from hot to cold, you should pay special attention to keeping your head, neck, hands and feet warm. If these parts get cold, it may cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

"The blood vessels in the head and face are particularly susceptible to stimulation by cold air, and when stimulated by cold air, the blood vessels in the head and face will suddenly contract, causing hardening of the blood vessels. If the feet are exposed to cold, it will cause a significant increase in the burden on the heart. It is best to soak your feet in hot water every day." Li Shenglu emphasized that the neck is a necessary place for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular circulation. Pay attention to keeping the neck warm and wear a hat and scarf.

The temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is large. The public should add or remove clothes according to the temperature change to keep the body at a comfortable temperature. The elderly, especially those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, should avoid using cold water. In addition, a balanced diet should be light and avoid high-fat and high-salt foods. Increase foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which help maintain blood pressure and blood lipids at a healthy level. At the same time, ensure 1500 ml of water per day.

In addition, the pain, swelling and joint stiffness symptoms of patients with wind-cold-dampness type arthritis will worsen as the temperature drops, and some patients with stable conditions may even experience relapses.

Director Li Shenglu reminds that patients with arthritis, lumbar spine and cervical spine diseases must pay attention to keeping warm when the weather turns cold. When riding a bicycle, they can wear knee pads and elbow pads to prevent the joints from getting cold; proper functional exercises can also help the health of the joints.

Beware of respiratory diseases

Cold air can cause the blood vessels in the respiratory tract to contract and reduce circulation, leading to a decrease in immunity, making it easier for pathogens to enter. Respiratory infectious diseases spread quickly and cause great harm. Some diseases can be prevented through vaccination. For those without vaccines, the following basic prevention and control measures are effective:

1. When sneezing or coughing in a crowded place, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue. Do not spit anywhere and do not throw away tissues used for spitting or wiping your nose.

2. Wash your hands frequently and do not use dirty towels to wipe your hands. Wash or wipe your hands immediately after they come into contact with respiratory secretions (such as sneezing).

3. Towels, water cups and other personal hygiene items should be used exclusively. Avoid sharing water cups, tableware, towels, toothbrushes and other items with others.

4. Pay attention to environmental hygiene and indoor ventilation. Avoid drafts when opening windows and keep warm. If there are patients with respiratory infectious diseases around, increase the frequency of indoor ventilation.

5. Drink more water, eat more vegetables and fruits to increase the body's immune ability.

6. Children, the elderly, the weak and those with chronic diseases should try to avoid crowded public places.

7. When respiratory diseases are prevalent, avoid activities that involve large gatherings of people.

8. Report symptoms such as fever and cough in time for early diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, take measures such as wearing masks and avoiding close contact with other people to avoid infection.

9. Take group prevention and control measures based on disease diagnosis.