News
Don’t be anxious about respiratory infections: Expert
View(s):- Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera shows how viruses may be kept at bay and also what to do if infected
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi
Sniffles, runny nose, cough, constant clearing of phlegm from the throat and complaints that the illness is not going away!
This is what everyone is hearing and seeing all around them. “Don’t be anxious,” says Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera, explaining that several viruses causing respiratory illnesses are doing the rounds.
Before advising people on how to prevent catching infections but if you do, how to deal with them, Dr. Samarasekera of the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, Welisara, puts the viruses under the microscope.
The spectrum is wide, according to him, starting with the coronaviruses setting off the common cold and COVID-19, to viruses causing both Influenza A and B.
The symptoms are also wide-ranging and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches and pains
Doctors are also seeing some cases of pneumonias (an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs) and mycoplasma (a bacterium infecting the lungs), says Dr. Samarasekera.
Dealing with ‘cough syncope’ which affects some people during a viral respiratory infection, he explains that it is a brief loss of consciousness that occurs after a cough. It happens when a severe bout of coughing increases pressure in the chest, which can lead to a decrease in blood returning to the heart, causing a drop in blood pressure. This could result in a faint due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Pointing out that people who have asthma or allergic rhinitis, when hit by a respiratory virus may take longer to recover, this respiratory physician explains that they could be more prone to breathing difficulties and breathlessness. The triggers of allergic rhinitis or hay fever could be pollen, pet dander and mould.
“Viral infections spread from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or personal contact with an infected person. Usually, the incubation period (the time between exposure to the virus and the first appearance of symptoms) is about three to six days. The duration of the illness depends on the severity of the infection,” says Dr. Samarasekera.
Those at higher risk are older adults; those with weakened immune systems, including cancer and transplant patients; and those with chronic respiratory conditions. These chronic conditions include uncontrolled asthma (inflammation of the airways that narrow them and make it difficult for air to pass through); Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD – damage to the lungs, making it difficult to breathe); or bronchiectasis (a long-term condition in which the airways of the lungs widen, sparking a build-up of excess mucous which makes the lungs vulnerable to infection).
The simple preventive measures that Dr. Samarasekera stresses on are:
- Frequent washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching surfaces which may be infected. These surfaces include doorknobs which can harbour viruses for 8 hours; plastics for 24 hours; wood for longer; and clothes & other items such as towels for as long as three days.
- Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wearing a mask in crowded or congested places
- Avoiding contact with those who are ill.
- If possible, taking the influenza vaccine jab which is available in Sri Lanka, by the elderly, those with chronic lung disease and those who are immune-compromised.
If down with a virus attack, he advises:
- Wear a mask to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. This could be done by coughing or sneezing into the crook of the arm.
- Self-isolate if ill.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food to boost immunity.
- Nasal steam inhalation for around seven days may be helpful.
- As smoking aggravates respiratory infections, cease smoking if a smoker.
- If asthmatic, take the prescribed inhalers as advised by the doctor.
- Take the usual medicines if prone to allergic rhinitis.
- Avoid dust inhalation.
- If there is a chronic cough due to a throat irritation, take small sips of water at a time, to keep the throat moist.
| ‘Keep a tab on air pollution’ Watch air pollution closely, urges Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera, reiterating that ‘smog’ impacts not only on people’s respiratory but also heart health. Smog, with the appearance of a blending of smoke and fog, is defined as a noxious mixture of gases and particles which appears as a haze in the air. It has pollutants that alter air quality. Smog comes about due to emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, industries and other combustion sources which react with each other in the atmosphere. “The microscopic particulate matter known as PM2.5 is the most dangerous,” says Dr. Samarasekera, as these particles can settle deep within the lungs when breathing in smog-polluted air. These deposits can lead to lung disease and also make the person vulnerable because viruses can get attached to them. Therefore, he requests people to follow the air-quality status in their areas through reliable Apps or information bulletins and wear a mask when going out, if the warnings are severe. | |
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!