Monsoon: warning of respiratory diseases

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Extract from the article: The arrival of the monsoon season in tropical countries brings with it several threats of illness to the body. These seemingly benign threats can worsen and lead to other health complications. That's why it's important to take steps to protect yourse

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The arrival of the monsoon season in tropical countries brings with it several threats of illness to the body. These seemingly benign threats can worsen and lead to other health complications. That's why it's important to take steps to protect yourself against the cold.

The most common illnesses during the monsoon season are acute respiratory infections (ARI). Along with diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, measles and malnutrition, they are also the cause of 70% of deaths among children aged 0-5. They can affect any part of the respiratory system. Depending on the part affected, there are rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and otitis. Rhinitis and rhinopharyngitis are infections of the nasal passages and pharynx. The vast majority are viral in origin. They can also be bacterial in origin. Contamination occurs via the hands and the air. Otitis media is caused by inflammation of the eardrums, linked to infection by pharyngeal germs that have spread to the ear. Almost all ear infections are bacterial in origin, unlike acute respiratory infections.

How do these infections manifest themselves?

Rhinitis and rhinopharyngitis are manifested by sneezing, nocturnal coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, skin erosions under the nostrils and inconstant fever.Examination of the mouth reveals redness.

Angina, which is acute pharyngitis due to inflammation of the mucous membranes and isthmus, manifests itself as fever, pain on swallowing, general malaise, vomiting and abdominal pain. Examination of the throat reveals inflammation or redness with white spots.

As for ear infections, they manifest as fever, ear pain, screaming and restlessness in children, digestive problems, vomiting and diarrhoea.Children rub their ears from time to time.

Better to protect yourself

To protect yourself from the cold and its consequences, it is advisable to cover up with heavy clothing and wash with lukewarm water.Doctors insist on lukewarm water rather than hot water, because hot water promotes dehydration of the body. The face in particular should be washed in cold water.

After bathing, the body can be coated with ointments or creams to prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy. Motorcyclists and their riders should cover their nose and mouth with masks.If any of these illnesses occur, don't hesitate to contact your doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Recipe 1: Lemon juice + crushed ginger, boil and sweeten with hot honey, then drink (half to 01 bamboo glass) twice a day. This recipe helps to boost immunity against viruses.

Recipe 2: Grind or crush Zingiber officinale (ginger, dotè) and Allium cela (garlic, ayo) and add lemon juice.Boil the mixture in 03 litres of water and filter. Sweeten with honey and store in the fridge.Drink about 01 small glass (konkonvi or talokpémi) morning and evening after warming it slightly.

Recipe 3: Bring 1 litre of water to the boil. Pour over a heaped tablespoon of Moringa leaf powder and stir. Leave to infuse for 7 minutes. Drink hot, one glass in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening.

Abel OZIH