Summer Cold

More and more people suffer from colds and sniffles even in summer – a fact that surprises many. After all, many people believe that only autumn and winter are reserved for coughs and colds. While the cause is usually an insufficiently strengthened immune system, there are several factors that promote the development of a cold in the summer. Find out where a cold in summer comes from and what helps against a summer cold here.

Summer cold: sign of a weak immune system

Many of our everyday behaviors weaken the body’s defenses, opening the door to flu-like infections even in summer. The immune system becomes downright overwhelmed, giving us runny noses and rattling bronchial tubes. Regular “sniffles” are a sign that the body’s own defenses are not functioning optimally. Viruses and other pathogens like to take advantage of this weakness by invading the body and multiplying.

How cold feet affect the respiratory mucosa

Pathogens usually get caught on the nasal hairs when inhaled and are trapped by the mucous membranes. The mucosa extends from the nose to the alveoli and contains defense substances against pathogens. If this “bouncer” is intact, germs have little chance of gaining entry. However, viruses and bacteria can easily sneak in through dried-out or poorly perfused mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Even cold feet lead to reduced blood flow to the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, women in particular – women are known to complain much more often about cold feet – should better avoid open shoes on cool summer days. The best tips against a cold

Keep nasal mucous membranes moist

To avoid colds and other respiratory infections, such as a stuffy nose, it is especially important to strengthen the immune system to prevent pathogens from penetrating and multiplying unhindered. Avoiding infection is almost unrealistic due to the very easily transmitted pathogens. Nevertheless, hygiene measures such as hand washing and appropriate coughing and sneezing hygiene can make a significant contribution to reducing the risk of infection and thus escaping the cold wave. Above all, it is advisable to prevent the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract from drying out, because dry mucous membranes increase susceptibility to pathogens. An effective remedy for this is, for example, seawater spray to moisten the nasal mucous membranes. Regularly cleaning the nose with pure seawater promotes the nose’s natural self-cleaning mechanism.

Rhinitis in summer: when to see a doctor?

A cold in summer can usually be cured, just like a cold in winter, with proven measures such as bed rest and sparing, drinking enough fluids, soothing teas and a little patience. However, a visit to the doctor is unavoidable for a summer cold …

Stuffy nose: tips and home remedies

9 Tips to prevent a cold in the summer.

We can do a lot to prevent a cold in the summer. These tips will help you prevent a summer cold:

  1. Thirst should not be quenched with ice-cold drinks. Because these only create stress in the organism. Excessive use of ice cubes in drinks is also dangerous.

  2. Equally cold-promoting drafts, for example, by rolled down windows when driving on hot days. Cool down your car first with the air conditioning and then set the fan to the lowest setting.

  3. Also for closed rooms, the room temperature should generally be kept no more than five degrees below the outside temperature.

  4. Long sunbathing ensures a healthy skin color, but weakens the immune system just as too long bathing, where the body cools down.

  5. Regular visits to the doctor can help you identify and correct weak points.

  6. Pay attention to a healthy diet rich in vitamins. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarettes as much as possible.

  7. Regular physical exercise in the fresh air, as well as sauna and alternating showers.

  8. (Also) avoid abrupt temperature change on vacation; if necessary, spa stay in a healing climatic place.

  9. Adjust to weather changes in good time by means of bioprognosis.