Ask the Doctor

The weather is just beginning to chill and winter is on its way. The season brings along with it a festive mood. But as all good things in life have their flip side, so does winter which brings with it some minor but nagging health problems. DR TAHER KUDRATI discusses some common problems related to all age groups so that you can become your family's good health keeper this winter.

SKIN RELATED DRY AND ITCHY SKIN: Due to the cold and dry air, skin tends to get dry, rough and itchy. The majority of allergic skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis etc. all worsen in cold and dry weather. Use a moisturizer-based soap and apply cold cream or moisturiser 2-3 times a day. DANDRUFF: Again due to dryness of the scalp. Regular oiling will take care of it. DRYNESS OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES: Dry nostrils and at times bleeding from the nostrils also. Rinse the nose gently 2-3 times with water. Do not pluck or pull the plugs and clinkers from the nostril.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM CONSTIPATION: This is caused due to less intake of water. In the cold season, our thirst is relatively reduced so we drink even lesser than the required quantity of water, leading to constipation. Drink plenty of water and have fibre-rich foods. HYPERACIDITY & INDIGESTION: In cold weather, we love to sip on stimulants like tea and coffee and eat spicy, oily and deep fried snacks. I'm not saying you should not relish all this in winter, but just maintain a healthy balance with adequate intake of water, fruits and salads. STOMACH INFECTIONS: Again pretty common due to eating spicy fast food and junk food from unhygienic vendors. So just take care of the hygiene part of it.

ORTHOPAEDIC (Related to the musculo-skeletal system) All forms of arthritis and joint pains increase in the winter season. The best protection is to keep yourself adequately warm. Do warm water or hot bag fomentation on the affected joints. Do regular warm up and stretching exercises before undertaking any physical activity, sport or exercise. A proper warm up increases the blood supply to the joints thereby increasing the internal temperature of the joints and ligaments making them more flexible and elastic. This reduces the chances of stress injuries like sprains and strains, muscle spasms, muscle catch and muscle pull, etc. DR TAHER KUDRATI, a flourishing practising homeopath and SVETA BHASSIN, a successful and well-known nutrition and diet consultant, will answer your health and nutrition-related queries.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Viral fever, flu, allergic cold and cough are common problems in the winter. The best protection you can get yourself is to eat well, eat healthy and keep your immune system strong. But if you still get it, do steam inhalations and warm water gargles 2-3 times daily. Keep yourself adequately warm. Allergic breathing problems like bronchial asthma also worsen in winter. Avoid getting over exposed to the early morning and late night chill and mist. In polluted cities, avoid very early morning walks as the fog that we see is basically smog (smoke + fog) — a potent allergy trigger.

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