Bell's palsy is most common in summer
ENT Specialist Dr. Cüneyt Altunay drew attention to the risks posed by the use of high-fan air conditioners and fans that hit the face in extreme heat, especially in facial paralysis called “Bell's palsy”, which is seen as a result of exposure to cold and frost, especially in winter.
Although the coolness from fans or air conditioners used daily against the heat provides relief, it can also cause serious health problems. Pointing out that facial paralysis can be seen due to coolers in summer, Acıbadem Kent Hospital ENT specialist Dr. Cüneyt Altunay said the following about facial paralysis:
“Facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve is affected as a result of various causes such as infection, trauma, tumoral structures, surgical interventions. The most common type is Bell's palsy. Before this type of facial paralysis, patients are exposed to sudden weather changes or cold. Facial nerves are negatively affected by this situation. Just as one should not be exposed to cold and frost in winter, one should not be directly exposed to air conditioning and wind while sweating at home, in the car or at work in summer. If we try to protect ourselves from the cold and frost in winter by using scarves and beanies, we should protect ourselves from cooling agents in summer with the same awareness. We should not stand in front of air conditioners and fans while sweating, after a shower or with wet hair. Otherwise, these sudden temperature changes may cause edema formation in the facial nerve and thus facial paralysis.”
“Loss of facial movements occurs”
Giving information about how facial paralysis occurs, ENT Specialist Dr. Cüneyt Altunay said, “The facial nerve performs the expression on our face. It contributes to tears, sense of taste, saliva production and hearing. Its journey, which starts in the head, continues along the ear structures, spreads to the neck behind the ear, spreads all over the face and ends by reaching the target muscles. Facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve is affected by causes such as infection, trauma, tumoral structures, surgical interventions. It results in symptoms such as loss of facial movements, weakness, twitching, dry eyes, and impaired sense of taste. It is characterized by the inability to perform mimic movements in one half of the face, numbness and dry eyes. Sometimes a pain around the ear is felt before the stroke. Clinical examination, hearing tests, tear test, radiological examinations, nerve and muscle tests are used to differentiate it from other diseases that cause facial paralysis and follow-up with medication is necessary.”
“It is necessary to consult a physician immediately”
On the other hand, early diagnosis and immediate treatment of facial paralysis is very important for the return of all facial functions. Dr. Altunay said, “Therefore, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible. With rapid drug treatment, facial paralysis is completely normalized and undesirable conditions that may occur due to the disease are prevented. Rarely, surgical intervention may be required in cases that do not respond adequately to treatment in order to reduce edema around the nerve.”
