Cold Weather May Affect Facial Nerves, Increasing the Risk of Facial Palsy

Cold air has properties that affect human health both negatively and positively. During the cold days of the winter season, asthma, COPD, heart disease, respiratory tract infections, and facial paralysis are more common. Therefore, motorcycle couriers and taxi drivers who are exposed to the cold are warned while doing their jobs. In addition, the aspects of cold weather that reduce joint pain, tighten the skin, facilitate weight loss and increase happiness should not be overlooked.

Skin Tightening

Due to its edema-solving effect, the pores tighten, and the skin looks healthier. Exercise for the skin muscles in the long term. On the other hand, since exposure to too cold for a long time will cause dry skin, it is necessary to protect the faces of those who are in these conditions or who work and not to forget to moisturize with oil-based creams.

It Accelerates Metabolism, Makes It Easier to Lose Weight

Cold weather also accelerates fat burning as it accelerates metabolism. It makes it easier to lose weight in the winter months. However, the need for carbohydrates is also increasing. In order to lose weight, it is necessary to maintain balance, and control carbohydrate intake.

The More Serotonin, The More Happiness...

In cold weather, especially after healthy people exercise lightly in oxygen-rich areas, excess oxygen entering the body also increases serotonin. This makes people feel happy and energetic.

What Diseases Are Triggered By Cold Weather?

As the weather begins to cool, an increase is observed in upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and influenza. Reminding that cold weather poses a risk, especially for some diseases, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine specialist shares that the statistics increase the risk of heart disease 2-3 times in cold weather. In particular, people with professions that have to work in the open air, such as security guards, police officers, soldiers, construction workers, and farmers, need to be more careful.

However, specialists say that colds can affect people in every disease and every age group differently, and the diseases triggered by colds are as follows:

• COPD-Asthma

Cold weather, in particular, is one of the most important triggers of asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. In the winter months, with increased air pollution, there is a risk for both asthma and COPD patients. Therefore, it is one of the measures that can be taken for these people to be careful in very cold weather, to take their medications regularly, and not to go out if COPD is accompanied by heart disease. If you are going to go out, the nose and mouth should be covered appropriately.

• Respiratory Infections

In particular, cold weather poses a risk for infection-related diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Because viral diseases such as colds are more common in people with weak immune systems, pneumonia can be added to colds and flu. One of the measures that can be taken is to strengthen the immune system and not go out in very cold weather. In order to protect yourself, it would be beneficial to look at vitamin D levels and take supplements under the control of your physician, even if they are insufficient, and also to pay attention to a balanced diet, to avoid excess carbohydrates and sugary products, and to increase your protein intake."

• Facial Palsy

Cold air can also affect the facial nerves, increasing the risk of facial palsy.  Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to people who are in direct contact with the cold for a long time by having to drive a vehicle such as taxi drivers and motorcycle couriers, not open the windows while going on the road, and protect and close the face.

• Heart Diseases

Depending on the spasm and shrinkage in the veins, there is an increase in heart attacks, especially in winter. In addition, cold air can increase blood pressure and put more pressure on the heart; the heart, which wants to maintain body temperature, can work more and get tired. Therefore, heart patients must not leave their homes as much as possible in cold weather or protect themselves with warm clothes.