Don't ignore chest tightness or pressure in winter

Heaviness or pressure in the chest in winter is usually thought to be caused by cold, but health experts warn that this symptom can also indicate problems related to the lungs, heart or mental stress.

As the winter cold increases in intensity, complaints of chest tightness or pressure increase. People feel it as a weight, tension or tightness in the chest and often have difficulty taking a deep breath.

Most people think of it as just the effect of the cold, but experts say that this symptom is not just due to the weather and should not be ignored. Dry and cold air in winter, increased pollution and an increase in respiratory diseases can all contribute to chest discomfort.

Chest tightness is not always due to the lungs. It can also be caused by heart disease, mental stress or anxiety, chest muscle spasms or digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Heart and lung diseases make people sick all over the world, and chest tightness can sometimes be an early sign of danger. According to the World Health Organization, infections and air pollution increase in winter, which affects vulnerable people more.

It is important to know why chest tightness occurs, who is more likely to be affected, and when to see a doctor. Experts say that early recognition and treatment can prevent serious problems and improve health.

Chest tightness is not always caused by lung disease. According to experts, these symptoms can also be caused by stress or anxiety, lung conditions such as asthma or pneumonia, or heart problems such as angina and heart attack. In addition, chest muscle spasms or muscle pain, and digestive problems such as acid reflux or indigestion can also cause this feeling.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anxiety and panic attacks can also cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing, which often resemble symptoms of heart or lung disease.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that ischemic heart disease is often characterized by pressure in the chest rather than sharp pain, especially in older people.

Some groups are more prone to chest tightness in the winter. According to health experts, patients with asthma, heart disease or high blood pressure are at higher risk at this time.

The lung function of older people naturally decreases, while smokers are also susceptible, because cigarettes reduce the lungs' ability to cope with cold air and pollution.

The World Health Organization also considers the elderly, people with chronic diseases and those living in areas with high pollution to be at higher risk for respiratory diseases in the winter.

If you experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, pain in the arms, neck or jaw, excessive sweating, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention.

These symptoms can sometimes indicate a heart attack or a serious respiratory illness, for which immediate diagnosis and treatment are important.

Ways to reduce chest tightness in winter

Some simple measures can reduce chest pressure.

According to nutritionists, drinking more water thins mucus, and creating moisture in dry air through a humidifier is helpful.

The World Health Organization also recommends maintaining an adequate amount of water and a clean air environment to maintain lung health.

For further relief, steaming, using warm compresses, taking slow and deep breaths, and keeping the head elevated while sleeping can be helpful. People with chronic diseases should continue to use their prescribed medications and inhalers and avoid sudden cold air or excessive exertion.

Doctors emphasize that chest tightness in winter is not just due to the cold; it can also be a problem related to the lungs, heart, mind, or digestion.

If symptoms are persistent or severe, it is important to consult a doctor immediately so that the underlying cause can be identified and safe and effective treatment can be provided.

via Original Source