The doctor warned about the spring exacerbation of diseases

In the spring, changes occur in the body due to temperature fluctuations, increased daylight hours and vitamin deficiency, which can lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Vera Seryozhina, a microbiologist at the LabQuest medical company, told Izvestia on March 2.

According to her, over the winter, vitamins and trace elements accumulated in the body are very actively consumed, and by spring their reserves are depleted. First of all, we are talking about fat-soluble elements A, D and E, as well as water-soluble groups B and C, which support the immune system. There is also a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the nervous system.

"Respiratory infections traditionally remain at the top of patients' requests for medical help: influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses continue to actively circulate, which can also provoke an exacerbation of chronic foci of bacterial infection," the specialist said.

In the second place among inflammatory diseases are cystitis and other infections of the genitourinary system. During the melting of snow, it is easy to overcool, get your feet wet, and dress against the weather. Women often have either newly diagnosed episodes of cystitis or exacerbations of a chronic process associated with opportunistic flora. In men, prostatitis and urethritis can also worsen against the background of hypothermia.

In addition, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract manifest themselves in the spring. The intestinal microbiota is very sensitive to changes in the immune system, some microorganisms may die, and the intestinal flora becomes depleted, causing seasonal digestive disorders. In the presence of Helicobacter pylori, gastritis and inflammation in the biliary tract and pancreas worsen.

Against the background of the off-season, many people develop instability of the nervous system, Seryozhina added. Mood changes, performance decreases, drowsiness appears, depressive states manifest themselves. The nervous mechanism also plays a significant role in the exacerbation of skin diseases, such as psoriasis, as well as allergic reactions.

Respiratory allergies can begin even before the active flowering of plants. When the snow melts, last year's foliage begins to release fungal spores and other volatile particles. Even without flowering, respiratory symptoms will be observed — nasal congestion, lacrimation and mucosation. And with the beginning of flowering of trees and grasses, allergies only increase. If the snow cover comes off early, symptoms may appear as early as March.

"People with a hereditary predisposition to allergic and psychoemotional reactions are at risk for seasonal adjustment disruption, since the type of response of the immune and nervous systems is largely genetically determined. But by observing yourself for several seasons, a person can develop a prevention program. In the spring, it would not be superfluous to take a general blood test — it provides a lot of information about inflammation and possible deficiencies. It is important to check the level of vitamin D: an increase in sunlight does not affect its synthesis by the skin, a year—round subsidy of this vitamin is required," the doctor said.

If allergies are getting worse from year to year, it makes sense to do an extended allergological study on 300 allergens in order to assess the risks of severe reactions and plan preventive measures in advance.

Daniil Shchepelyaev, an immunologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, told Izvestia on February 28 how to strengthen the immune system in the off-season. According to him, regular sleep, sufficient protein, a varied diet of fruits and vegetables, exercise and stress control work more effectively in the long term. Gradual hardening helps the body to tolerate temperature changes more easily, but supplements, including vitamin D, are advisable only if there is a confirmed deficiency and do not cancel the correct regime.

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