ENT Problems that Worsen with Winter

Source: Sheridan Ear, Nose & Throat 

Winter is often referred to as “cold and flu season,” and with good reason. Respiratory infections seem to favor the colder months, even though you may be exposed to viruses and other pathogens throughout the year.  

While the common cold doesn’t require medical care itself, it can cause complications like ear infections or longer-lasting sinusitis, as well as triggering stronger asthma attacks.  

When ear, nose, and throat conditions rear their ugly heads this season, know that Campbell County Medical Group ENT Clinic is standing by, ready to serve you, getting you back to health during the long Wyoming winter.  

Common cold 

It’s typical for a healthy adult to have several common colds throughout the year. Caused by a wide variety of viruses, colds usually last for about a week to 10 days. While symptoms can be highly uncomfortable, it is unlikely you’ll become seriously ill because of a cold. However, a cold can cause complications in your sinuses and ears. People with nasal polyps or deviated septums could risk chronic sinusitis, a respiratory infection that can resemble a cold but never ends.  

Influenza 

Influenza, or the flu, is potentially more serious than a cold, but healthy people generally aren’t at risk. Complications associated with the flu can be serious and even life-threatening in rare cases. Along with similar sinus complications to the common cold, flu can lead to inflammatory conditions of the brain, heart, and muscles. Patients with heart disease may find their condition progressing or worsening because of the flu virus.  

Strep throat 

Viral respiratory infections can feature sore throats among their symptoms. Strep throat, however, results from a bacterial infection and doesn’t have respiratory symptoms. You may have strep throat if you experience a fast outbreak of sharp throat pain. Like cold and flu, strep throat can resolve itself in 7-10 days, but because throat pain is often severe and serious, complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation are possible. Treatment with antibiotics can shorten the course of the disease as well as the length of time during which you can spread the illness to others.  

Pneumonia 

Resulting from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, pneumonia is potentially the most serious common respiratory infection. It can be a complication of cold or flu, occurring when the air sacs in your lungs become inflamed. The infecting pathogen overwhelms the body’s immune system, and it can be serious when it occurs in very young children, those over 65, or people with weak immune systems or other medical problems. Even healthy adults may sometimes have trouble fighting off the infection. Symptoms resemble cold or flu, but they tend to last longer. In severe cases, fluid may begin to collect in the lungs.   

At Campbell County Medical Group ENT, we are equipped with the tools and skills to aid your every ear, nose and throat condition. Dr. Ryan Black and his team, Kyle Hunter, PA-C and Micayla Hinds, NP embody excellence every day through their attention to care and compassion for our patients. Make an appointment by calling 307.688.0110.