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During the monsoon season, the risk of sore throats, dryness, and ear itching increases. Some of the reasons of these circumstances are growing air humidity, temperature variations, and fungus growth. However, these infections can be avoided with the proper precautions.
ENT specialists and cochlear implant surgeons shared preventive measures for seasonal ENT issues.
1. Avoid chilled drinks and tables food
Sudden cooling of the throat due to consuming cool water or cold foods can affect the mucosa, especially when your immunity is already low during the rain. You should rather go for lukewarm water, herbal tea, or soups that help soothe your throat.
2. A wise AC temperature should be chosen
Keeping your AC below 24°C, especially at night, can cause dryness of the throat lining. This can lead to inflammation and soreness of the throat. Setting your AC between 25°C–26°C, would be the optimal temperature range for nightlong AC usage.
3. Don’t stay wet for too long
Staying in damp clothes with wet hair can cause upper respiratory infections. You should instead change out of wet clothes at the earliest and dry your scalp thoroughly to cut down post-exposure chills and sore throat triggers.
4. Warm saltwater gargling
Gargling with warm saline water twice a day can help prevent additional throat problems. You should not experiment with antibiotics or lozenges unless instructed by a doctor, as most sore throats during the monsoon season are viral and self-resolving.
5. No objects in ear cleaning
Earbuds, pins, or cloth can cause injury to the sensitive canal by removing protective earwax. The earwax protects the ear against infections. Over-cleaning can dry out the skin inside and worsens the itching.
6. Keep your ears dry
During the monsoon, the air is humid, and water entering the ear might promote fungus growth (otomycosis). You can drain water by tilting your head sideways and gently patting the ears with a cloth.
7. Watch out for fungal infections
If the itching persists or is accompanied by any discharge, and you sense a blockage, you may have a fungal infection. Early attention in such circumstances will allow you to recover faster and without consequences.
(Disclaimer: This material is intended to provide information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any queries concerning a medical issue.)
