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Posted on:01/16/2009
Question
why cold wether causes rhinitis?
Answer
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Rhinitis means inflammation of the nostrils, commonly caused by infections during cold seasons. Colds are caused by more than 100 different viruses that can infiltrate the upper respiratory tract, causing an infection and triggering a cascade of immune responses that lead to cold symptoms, including rhinitis. There are multiple reasons why people catch more colds during the winter. First of all,
cold-causing viruses survive better when the humidity is low, such as during the winter. Secondly, cold, dry air may stress the immune system and make the inside lining of the nostrils drier, thus lowering your resistance to infection. Lastly, people tend to keep windows closed and stay indoors when it's cold out. This gives the viruses a better chance to spread. Also worth mentioning is that smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke catch colds easily, with worse and longer lasting
symptoms. So please don't smoke and don't expose yourself to secondhand smoke. Rhinitis can also be caused by irritation of the nostrils from cold dry winter air and from irritants such as chimney smoke.
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Answered By:
Frank Lin
, M.D.
|
Answer
|
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nostrils, commonly caused by infections during cold seasons. Colds are caused by more than 100 different viruses that can infiltrate the upper respiratory tract, causing an infection and triggering a cascade of immune responses that lead to cold symptoms, including rhinitis. There are multiple reasons why people catch more colds during the winter. First of all,
cold-causing viruses survive better when the humidity is low, such as during the winter. Secondly, cold, dry air may stress the immune system and make the inside lining of the nostrils drier, thus lowering your resistance to infection. Lastly, people tend to keep windows closed and stay indoors when it's cold out. This gives the viruses a better chance to spread. Also worth mentioning is that smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke catch colds easily, with worse and longer lasting
symptoms. So please don't smoke and don't expose yourself to secondhand smoke. Rhinitis can also be caused by irritation of the nostrils from cold dry winter air and from irritants such as chimney smoke.
|
Answered By:
Frank Lin
, M.D.
|
Answer
|
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nostrils, commonly caused by infections during cold seasons. Colds are caused by more than 100 different viruses that can infiltrate the upper respiratory tract, causing an infection and triggering a cascade of immune responses that lead to cold symptoms, including rhinitis. There are multiple reasons why people catch more colds during the winter. First of all,
cold-causing viruses survive better when the humidity is low, such as during the winter. Secondly, cold, dry air may stress the immune system and make the inside lining of the nostrils drier, thus lowering your resistance to infection. Lastly, people tend to keep windows closed and stay indoors when it's cold out. This gives the viruses a better chance to spread. Also worth mentioning is that smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke catch colds easily, with worse and longer lasting
symptoms. So please don't smoke and don't expose yourself to secondhand smoke. Rhinitis can also be caused by irritation of the nostrils from cold dry winter air and from irritants such as chimney smoke.
|
Answered By:
Frank Lin
, M.D.
|
Answer
|
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nostrils, commonly caused by infections during cold seasons. Colds are caused by more than 100 different viruses that can infiltrate the upper respiratory tract, causing an infection and triggering a cascade of immune responses that lead to cold symptoms, including rhinitis. There are multiple reasons why people catch more colds during the winter. First of all,
cold-causing viruses survive better when the humidity is low, such as during the winter. Secondly, cold, dry air may stress the immune system and make the inside lining of the nostrils drier, thus lowering your resistance to infection. Lastly, people tend to keep windows closed and stay indoors when it's cold out. This gives the viruses a better chance to spread. Also worth mentioning is that smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke catch colds easily, with worse and longer lasting
symptoms. So please don't smoke and don't expose yourself to secondhand smoke. Rhinitis can also be caused by irritation of the nostrils from cold dry winter air and from irritants such as chimney smoke.
|
Answered By:
Frank Lin
, M.D.
|
|
Answers are the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily that of your health care provider, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Sutter Health. This information is provided for your general information and education only, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you feel like you have an illness or need emotional support for a problem, please contact you personal physician NOW.