Climate Change, Temperature Extremes, and Respiratory Infections in Winter

Dr. Sofia Salim Malik, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Allergy, Immunology & Sleep Consultant, SUT Hospital, Pattom.

The impact of climate change on winter seasons is evident in the sharp contrast between daytime high temperatures and night time low temperatures. These fluctuations, combined with the ongoing effects of global warming, significantly influence respiratory health.

Daytime High Temperatures

Winters are increasingly witnessing unseasonably warm days due to climate change. While daytime warmth may seem comforting, it creates conditions that exacerbate respiratory issues:

Increased Pollution Levels: Higher daytime temperatures facilitate the exposure to these pollutants irritates the lungs and aggravates conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Prolonged Viral Survival: Warm daytime temperatures allow respiratory viruses, such as influenza, to remain active for longer durations, increasing infection risks.

Immune Stress: Sudden shifts from traditional winter cold to warmer daytime temperatures can weaken the body’s immune response, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections.

Night time Low Temperatures

The stark drop in temperatures at night remains a hallmark of winter but is becoming more extreme due to erratic weather patterns:

Cold-Induced Bronchial Irritation: Cold air at night can trigger airway constriction, worsening symptoms in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Indoor Dampness and Allergens: Cold nights often lead to condensation indoors, creating ideal conditions for mold and dust mites, which exacerbate respiratory allergies.

Increased Viral Activity: Many respiratory viruses, including influenza, thrive in colder conditions, raising infection risks during frigid nights.

Coping with Temperature Extremes

Managing these temperature fluctuations is essential to reduce respiratory health risks:

• Dress in layers to accommodate sudden temperature changes.
• Avoid outdoor exposure during extreme weather and maintain good hand hygiene.

Climate-induced temperature extremes demand both global mitigation efforts and individual health precautions to combat the rising prevalence of respiratory infections during winter.

Summary for LinkedIn: Climate change intensifies respiratory risks during winter through sharp daytime highs and night time lows. Warm days worsen pollution, prolong viral survival, and stress immunity, while cold nights trigger bronchial irritation, mold growth, and viral activity. Precautions like layering, indoor air quality management, and hygiene can help mitigate these health impacts.