“A seasonal respiratory problem may cause an imbalance in other diseases”

Is it possible to avoid catching a cold in the winter?

The only reliable way of avoiding a cold in the winter would be to live in a bubble, which is not very feasible. What we can do is to keep our respiratory immune system as healthy as possible in order to be able to “defend ourselves” from the aggressions of the virus and bacteria that breed in the winter. The most efficient way is to avoid tobacco and any type of vapers that produce an inflammation of the respiratory mucus and a greater production of bronchial mucus. This mucus encourages the presence of germs in the respiratory tract and owing to the paralysis of the bronchial cilia, it is impossible to expulse the secretions. Therefore, these germs increase the probabilities of suffering from a bronchial infection.

When suffering from a winter respiratory disease, should you continue to go to work or school?

The decision about continuing to go to work or school does not depend on a pulmonologist, as it does not mean an added infectious risk for those around you. The primary care doctor is the person who should comment on this, always depending on the physical condition of each person in question.

What is most concerning in doctors’ surgeries: young or elderly patients?

In pulmonology surgeries we take care of patients from the age of 12 years, as the younger ones are looked after by paediatric pulmonologists. Our greatest concern lies with elderly patients who have other associated pathologies. Seasonal respiratory problems can cause an imbalance in other diseases, creating a risk for the patient.

Why is it so important for health to not self-medicate?

Any medical treatment must be prescribed by a person who is a graduate in medicine. During this time of year, many people fall into the error of self-medicating with antibiotics that have been left over at home, when they really have a viral infection that antibiotics will not have any effect on. On the other hand, they could create resistances and when antibiotics are really needed the bacteria will have become resistant to them. The opposite case may also occur, where the person minimises their symptoms and by not going to see the doctor, they could be not treating a serious infection.

In addition to correct hand hygiene, which other habits should we have during these months as preventive methods?

There is no infallible method to protect against a respiratory pathology during these months. But it is important, for example, to avoid sudden changes of temperature and for people who are allergic to dust – one of the most common allergies in Spain, special care must be taken in cleaning surfaces.