The arrival of the monsoon is eagerly awaited to take a break from the stifling heat. But with the arrival of the rains also come hot and humid conditions, which are responsible for increasing health problems among people. These conditions encourage the exponential growth of disease-causing bacteria and fungi.
Moreover, monsoons also bring with them a certain chill factor, which is further aggravated if a person gets wet in the rain. This leads to a lower immune response to infections and makes the chances of developing viral upper respiratory infections a common occurrence in such conditions.
Looking at the risk of ear infection prevalent during monsoon, let us explore some precautionary measures to keep infections at bay as shared by Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Senior Consultant, ENT, HearClear India.
Rain protection
Considering that monsoons are often marked by frequent and untimely rains, it is advisable to be well prepared to avoid getting wet in the rain. It is advisable to always carry a raincoat, an umbrella and waterproof shoes to protect yourself from sudden showers.
Hygiene
During the season, infections are rife, underscoring the importance of incorporating hygiene practices into everyday life. Hand hygiene, drinking boiled or reverse osmosis water, and eating home-cooked food should be prioritized to minimize the chances of contracting illness during the season. Raw or junk food should be discouraged and proper precautions should be taken, along with adequate rest, to avoid the development of a secondary bacterial infection.
Ear infection
Ear infection is a common occurrence during the season, especially if it is caused by a fungal infection. This causes extreme itching, pain, and discharge from the ear, so emphasis should be placed on keeping the ear dry as a preventative measure.
Refrain from water activities.
Water-borne infections are quite common during this season. Therefore, people should avoid swimming and other water activities during monsoon to reduce the chances of contracting chills and avoid developing viral upper respiratory infections.
Treatment
Even after taking necessary precautions, in case people get an infection, they should seek immediate treatment by getting enough rest, focusing on hygiene and hydration to protect themselves from secondary bacterial infections in the nose and sinuses. Rare cases of fungal infections in the sinuses can also occur due to the moist and warm conditions that promote fungal growth. However, in case symptoms increase, it is recommended to seek expert advice for proper treatment and antibiotics.
Appropriate clothing
Vector-borne infections such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc., which are caused by mosquito breeding in stagnant water, are also common during the season. To protect against mosquito bites, wearing appropriate clothing and restricting unnecessary outdoor activities should be a priority. In addition, anti-mosquito measures should be taken to prevent these infections.
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