Cómo prevenir enfermedades comunes en días lluviosos en Hunan

Title: How to Prevent Common Illnesses on Rainy Days in Hunan Profile: Hunan faces health risks from rain: respiratory, rheumatic, and skin diseases, with prevention and care tips. Keywords: ['Health protection', 'Emotional management'] 湖南医聊特约作者：湖南省第二人民医院（省脑科医院） 医务部 蒋婷婷 米雷

Recently, a period of continuous rain has begun in several cities in Hunan. The low temperatures, high humidity, and instability in atmospheric pressure have not only made life damp but also presented numerous health challenges.

A cold and humid environment can decrease human immunity, promoting the growth of various pathogens and leading to diverse illnesses. Elderly people, children, and patients with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable groups. This disease prevention guide for rainy days aims to help everyone anticipate and take care of their health.

1. Respiratory diseases: the invasion of humidity and cold can 'damage' the lungs.

Low temperatures and continuous rain are the main factors causing respiratory diseases. Cold, humid air can directly irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing their defense capacity and causing spasms in the airways. Meanwhile, on rainy days, the lack of ventilation indoors and high humidity allow pathogens like mold, dust mites, and bacteria to proliferate, facilitating their entry into the body through breathing and triggering various respiratory issues.

High-incidence diseases include: common cold, flu, acute bronchitis, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), among others.

Typical symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, cough, phlegm, chest tightness, wheezing. Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often experience acute exacerbation of their conditions and difficulty breathing.

Protection recommendations: follow the principle of 'dressing warmly in spring,' paying special attention to protect the neck, back, and feet; wear masks when going out to avoid cold air and germs; briefly ventilate at noon when the temperature is higher, and use a dehumidifier at home to maintain indoor humidity between 50% and 60%; stay away from irritants like cooking smoke and pollen; drink enough water to keep the airways hydrated, and ensure that the elderly and children are vaccinated on time against the flu.

II. Rheumatic diseases: Humidity enters the body, and the joints cry out in 'pain and discomfort'.

The humidity in the air increases, and atmospheric pressure fluctuates drastically on rainy and cloudy days, which can affect blood circulation and fluid metabolism in the tissues around the joints, causing congestion and swelling in the synovial membrane, which exacerbates joint inflammation. People who already have arthritis, have old joint injuries, or those who spend long periods sitting and fail to keep their joints warm are particularly susceptible to humidity invasion, which can cause discomfort.

Common diseases include: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain from old injuries, among others.

Typical symptoms include: joint stiffness, a feeling of heaviness and pain, discomfort that worsens during activity, with symptoms being especially evident in rainy weather.

Protection recommendations: keep joints warm, avoid exposing knees and ankles directly to cold air, and use knee pads if necessary; do not stay in humid environments for long, and reduce exposure to rain; soak feet in hot water daily to promote blood circulation, and apply hot compresses if experiencing discomfort in the joints; avoid squatting or sitting for long periods, and engage in moderate activities with the joints.

III. Skin diseases: humidity and heat cause fungi to 'grow uncontrollably'.

On rainy days, it is difficult to dry clothes, and the skin is more exposed to rainwater and humid air. Additionally, tight clothing does not allow for perspiration, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which can lead to various skin problems. Individuals with allergies or sensitive skin are even more prone to illness.

Common diseases include: eczema, athlete's foot, body ringworm, allergic dermatitis, among others.

Typical symptoms include: itchy skin, red rashes, peeling, blisters; in severe cases, there may be ulcerations and discharge. The itching sensation intensifies at night and in humid environments.

Protection recommendations: avoid direct skin contact with rain whenever possible; after any contact, wash the skin with clean water and dry it immediately. Dry and ventilate clothing and bedding in a timely manner to keep them dry. Choose loose, breathable cotton garments to reduce friction on the skin. If experiencing skin itching, do not scratch; if the symptoms are severe, consult a doctor immediately and avoid excessive use of corticosteroid ointments.

IV. Gastrointestinal diseases: humidity harms the spleen, and digestion is 'angry'.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, continuous rain can lead to excess humidity in the body. The humidity affecting the spleen can disrupt the transformation and transportation function of the spleen and stomach. Additionally, on rainy days, decreased appetite, irregular eating, or consuming cold and unhygienic foods can easily lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Frequent diseases include: indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, among others.

Typical symptoms include: lack of appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea and deformity of stools, as well as physical fatigue and weakness.

Protection recommendations: the diet should primarily be light and nourishing, consuming more foods like yam, poria, and ginger, which are beneficial for the spleen and help eliminate humidity. Avoid consuming cold beverages, raw fruits, and fatty foods. It is important to maintain food hygiene, avoid eating spoiled foods, and disinfect utensils promptly. Maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen the function of the spleen and stomach.

V. Emotions and cardiovascular problems: the weather is cloudy, making both body and mind feel 'oppressed'.

Continuous rain and lack of sunlight can reduce the secretion of dopamine and serotonin in the body, which could lead to problems such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. At the same time, the low temperature and high humidity environment can cause blood vessel constriction, fluctuations in blood pressure, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Common issues include: depressive emotions, anxiety and insomnia, hypertension, coronary disease, among others.

Typical symptoms include: low mood, lack of energy, difficulty falling asleep, palpitations, dizziness, and unstable blood pressure.

Protection tips: keep the lights on indoors to ensure good lighting; communicate more with family and friends, listen to soft music, and watch relaxing videos to regulate your mood; individuals with cardiovascular diseases should take their medications on time, monitor blood pressure, avoid intense exercise, and seek medical attention if they feel dizziness or palpitations; adequately supplement vitamin D, as it regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism and is involved in the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, key substances for maintaining good mood and alleviating anxiety and sadness; on rainy days with little sunlight, vitamin D production in the body decreases, which can lead to low mood. Adequately supplementing vitamin D can effectively improve emotional issues such as depression, irritability, and insomnia that may arise during bad weather, helping to stabilize physical and mental conditions.

Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital) kindly reminds: general health tips for rainy days:

1. Keep warm and moisture-proof, carry an umbrella, avoid getting wet in the rain, and quickly change out of wet clothes upon arriving home.

2. Maintain moderate exercise, choosing gentle activities like walking indoors, practicing yoga, or doing Ba Duan Jin, to promote energy and blood circulation and eliminate humidity.

3. Ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and boost the body's immunity;

4. If experiencing persistent cough, intense joint pain, severe diarrhea, or constantly low emotional state, seek medical attention immediately; do not delay.

Although rainy weather can be challenging to endure, with appropriate scientific protection, a variety of "rainy weather illnesses" can be effectively avoided. I hope everyone can balance warmth and humidity removal, adjusting their physical and mental state well to steadily overcome this humid and cold period.

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(Edit YT)