How to protect the bronchus in autumn and winter

　　In autumn and winter, the temperature drops sharply and the temperature difference between day and night is large, which is a period of high incidence of bronchial diseases. Chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory problems are easy to relapse or worsen, especially for middle-aged and elderly people. At this time, it is important to protect the bronchial tubes. So, how can we protect our respiratory system during the cold season? In fact, just stick to a few simple but key health measures.

How to protect the bronchus in autumn and winter

　　1. Strengthen cold-resistant exercise and improve adaptability

　　Insisting on using cold water to wash your face, wipe your limbs, and even wash your nose can gradually enhance the tolerance of the respiratory mucosa to cold air. Going to a place with fresh air to take deep breaths, take a walk or do Tai Chi in the morning can help improve lung function and overall immunity, and reduce the risk of bronchial spasm or inflammation due to cold stimulation.

　　2. Actively prevent colds and cut off triggers

　　Colds are the main cause of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Pay attention to adding or removing clothes according to the weather to avoid catching cold ； Keep a regular schedule and don’t stay up late ； Try to go to crowded places as little as possible to reduce exposure to the virus. Once symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, etc. occur, you should seek medical treatment in time to prevent the development of bronchial infection.

　　3. Keep the air fresh and stay away from pollution

　　Open windows for ventilation indoors regularly, about 30 minutes each time, to maintain air circulation and reduce the concentration of bacteria and viruses. The room temperature should be maintained at 18-24°C and the humidity should be 40%-50%. It is strictly forbidden to smoke and avoid irritation of the respiratory tract by oil smoke, soot, dust, etc., which can induce or aggravate bronchial inflammation.

　　4. Eat a reasonable diet and maintain physical fitness.

　　Eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as milk, eggs, lean meat, soy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. In autumn and winter, you can eat mutton, beef and other warming foods in moderation to help resist the cold. At the same time, drink more water and supplement vitamins C, A, and E, which can help protect the respiratory mucosa and improve local defense capabilities.

Abnormal bronchial symptoms in autumn and winter

　　1. Persistent dry cough or small amount of sputum

　　The dry air and sudden drop in temperature in autumn and winter can stimulate congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa, causing persistent dry cough, or accompanied by a small amount of white mucus sputum. It is especially aggravated in the morning, at night or after exposure to cold air. In severe cases, it affects sleep. It is common in people with chronic bronchitis and allergic bronchitis.

　　2. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing

　　Cold stimulation causes bronchial smooth muscle to contract and airways to narrow. Coupled with the increase in haze, dust and other pollutants in autumn and winter, it is easy to cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. Symptoms are more obvious after exercise. Some people may also experience wheezing sounds when breathing, and they need to be alert to an acute attack of bronchial asthma.

　　3. Dry and itchy throat and foreign body sensation

　　The humidity in autumn and winter is low, and the mucous membranes of the bronchus and throat lose moisture quickly. Coupled with the direct stimulation of cold air, the throat will feel dry and itchy, with a foreign body sensation, which will induce irritating coughs. This discomfort is often accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose, and can easily be mistaken for a common cold.

Methods to improve bronchial discomfort

　　1. Adjust environmental humidity and keep warm

　　Use a humidifier indoors to maintain the humidity at 50%-60% to relieve mucous membrane dryness； Wear a mask and scarf when going out to prevent cold air from directly irritating the respiratory tract. Reduce going out when the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, and avoid smoking, burning incense and other pungent smells indoors to reduce the burden on the bronchial tubes.

　　2. Diet and hydration

　　Drink more warm water, honey water or rock sugar and pear water. The daily amount of water should be no less than 1500ml to moisturize the respiratory tract.； Eat more lily, white fungus, white radish and other ingredients that moisten the lungs and relieve cough. Avoid spicy, fried, and sweet foods to reduce phlegm secretion and airway irritation.

　　3. Moderate exercise and enhanced protection

　　Choose gentle exercises such as indoor walking and Tai Chi, 3-4 times a week, 20-30 minutes each time, to enhance lung function and respiratory resistance.； People with allergies should stay away from pollen, pet hair and other allergens. Patients with chronic bronchitis should take medication regularly according to the doctor's advice to prevent acute attacks.

　　Middle-aged and elderly people with chronic bronchitis, asthma or underlying lung diseases should follow up with their doctor regularly in autumn and winter, and receive influenza vaccine or pneumonia vaccine if necessary to prevent acute exacerbation of infection. If you have persistent cough, sputum, chest tightness or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical treatment in time to avoid developing serious complications such as emphysema and pulmonary heart disease. Protecting the bronchial tubes is not a matter of time, but persistence. Start with small things to breathe easier and get through every cold season safely.