The incidence of infectious diseases increases in the fall months when the sun starts to lose its effect and the temperature rises and falls.
While the autumn month creates a ground for respiratory infections, Medicana Health Group Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. İdil Öztürk warned against frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Stating that upper respiratory tract infections are among the leading reasons for consulting a doctor, Ear Nose Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. İdil Öztürk said, “Temperature changes during seasonal transitions prepare the ground for upper respiratory tract infections like many diseases. The decrease in body resistance with the weakening immune system causes an increase in upper respiratory tract infections during these periods.”
Crowded environments risk
Explaining the factors that increase susceptibility to infection, Öztürk said, “Factors such as having an allergic constitution, breathing through the mouth due to anatomical problems such as nasal bone curvature or concha size, smoking, irregular nutrition also increase the susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. These diseases are common during seasonal transitions and in crowded environments. They occur in the form of droplet infection, that is, they are transmitted as a result of talking, kissing and coughing at close range. Inadequate ventilation in the environment also facilitates their transmission. It is also transmitted by not washing hands after contact with surfaces.”
Most common infections
Op. Dr. İdil Öztürk, who listed the upper respiratory tract infections that are common in adults, said, “The first of these is flu, the second is influenza infection. In addition to these, middle ear inflammation is one of the most common upper respiratory tract infections.”
Op. Dr. İdil Öztürk listed the common upper respiratory tract infections in adults as follows:
“Cold is a mild disease caused by multiple viruses, transmitted from person to person, involving the upper respiratory tract. It is also known as a cold. It is more common in cold seasons. It is not more common in smokers, but it is severe. A person will catch a cold approximately 300 times in their lifetime. Children under 5 years of age have upper respiratory tract infections 8-10 times a year on average. It is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses. There are 3 types of the virus. Type A infects humans, pigs and poultry, Type B only infects humans. Type C causes very mild symptoms in humans. It is often characterized by sudden onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, head and muscle aches, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose. The fever usually lasts for 5 days or 1 week. Rest is very important in treatment. Antipyretics, plenty of fluids and good nutrition are important. Antibiotics are not given because it is a viral disease, but antibiotics are used if secondary infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia are added as complications. It is a sudden onset infection of the pharynx and tonsils. Since it can be of viral or bacterial origin, the treatment method varies according to the causative agent. Symptoms include high fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, weakness, malaise, head-joint-muscle pain, cough and sometimes swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Middle ear infections are more common in children. It is often a secondary bacterial infection that develops following infections such as colds and flu. It most commonly affects children between the ages of 6-18 months. After the age of 6, there is a significant decrease in the frequency of the disease. Inflammation of the air cavities called sinuses in the facial bones is called sinusitis. It also often develops following viral upper respiratory tract infections. While full recovery is expected in 7-10 days after viral infections, there is usually an increase in nasal fullness and cough. Head and facial pains may be seen in older children and adults. Antibiotic treatment may be required.”
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Öztürk said that in order to protect against these upper respiratory tract infections, hygiene and hand washing should be taken care of, crowded environments should be avoided, crowded environments should be ventilated frequently, masks should be worn if possible and sick people should not be allowed to get too close, age-appropriate and balanced nutrition, and seasonally appropriate clothing should be worn.
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