By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Spring has arrived. However, due to the unusually cold weather, the number of people suffering from seasonal influenza hit its highest mark in a decade, according to the National Health Insurance Corporation.
Many people suffer from constant sneezing, sniffling and other symptoms at this time of the year, but consider it as a mild cold and do not take it seriously.
Prof. Jang Jung-hyun of Ilsan Hospital said, "Many of them are actually suffering from various rhinitis, which need intensive care. Rhinitis often disturbs sleep and the sense of concentration, causing great damage to ordinary life."
Jang gave some advice on the ``commonly found but often ignored'' ailments.
If you sneeze or sniffle outdoors, chances are high that you have allergic rhinitis. The mucous membrane of the nose being overly sensitive to particular material triggers such symptoms.
Those who suffer from the syndrome sneeze or sniffle consecutively. Such rhinitis can cause headaches and affect one's sense of smell. Frequent complications are tympanitis, sinusitis or inflammation in the throat and neck.
Cases of allergic rhinitis are most frequent in the spring when various pollens are in the air, but chronic patients suffer from various symptoms throughout the year.
``Those who are diagnosed with the allergic rhinitis should keep their surrounding environment clean and warm, avoid smoking, and exposure to air pollution and stress. They should keep doors and windows closed as well. Keeping pets with fur is not a good idea either,'' Jang said. Those suffering can be treated with various medications.
In rare cases, surgery is needed to treat other forms of rhinitis. But mostly, doctors prescribe steroids and other sprays. It also affects more than just the nose, throat and lungs. It is associated with sleeping problems, ear conditions and even learning problems.
Washing hands often is strongly advised. Patients are recommended not to change room temperatures too quickly or enter places too cold or hot.
This prevails when the nasal cavity is blocked and inflammation takes place. If complications such as tympanitis or bronchitis occur, the symptoms could worsen. Those who cough for more than three straight weeks should visit their doctors. Medication is the primary treatments, but in worst cases, surgery is required. These days, endoscopic surgeries are common, lessening pain and the risk of bleeding.
Many people suffer from colds. Sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat, high fever, headache and muscle aches are all commonly detected symptoms of a cold.
The best way to prevent contracting cold-causing viruses is to maintain your personal hygiene ― keep the surrounding environment clean and wash your hands often, try to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. ``Sharing towels, spoons and objects that could contain germs aren't good ideas. Children are advised to stay indoors to reduce the risk of getting the viruses,'' Jang said.
Influenza leads to extreme lethargy, high fever, headaches, muscle aches and other complications. Patients should act quickly in order to prevent things reaching a critical stage. It is highly contagious. Infants and senior citizens in particular are advised to get vaccinated.
Antibiotics are effective when taken 48 hours after contracting the virus. If these symptoms occur, visit your doctor promptly.