Respiratory disease risks rise with seasonal temperature changes

Medical professionals are warning of an increased risk of respiratory diseases due to widening temperature fluctuations and air pollution during the autumn and winter seasons. Doctors note that dry air and the northeast monsoon can irritate the respiratory tract, potentially leading to complications such as bronchitis or acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Clinical observations highlight that patients with chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD, should be particularly vigilant. A case study involving a 66-year-old patient with a history of smoking and COPD demonstrated how self-medicating for a common cold with cough syrup can lead to delayed diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, resulting in fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives suggest that persistent coughing after a cold may be categorized into two types: ‘lung yin deficiency,’ characterized by a dry cough and dry throat, and ‘yin deficiency with phlegm-dampness,’ which involves yellow, sticky phlegm. Experts advise against indiscriminate use of cough suppressants and recommend seeking professional medical evaluation if symptoms like fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath persist.