The Importance of Radiology During the Winter Months

People become sick more frequently during winter, not necessarily because of increased viral illnesses but because our bodies’ fighting abilities become more challenging during this time.

Cold weather makes it difficult to clear mucus from our noses, making it easier for viruses to enter our bodies. Additionally, we spend more time indoors during winter and are more likely to breathe the same air as infectious individuals. Due to shorter days, we also do not get enough sunlight during the winter, which means a reduction in Vitamin D and melatonin – both vital to fighting viruses.

Respiratory viruses are prevalent during the winter. They can be spread through particles in the air via coughing and sneezing. They can also be spread through contact with an object an infected person has touched, like tissues, countertops, and doorknobs. Children and infants, older adults, people with heart and lung conditions, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contracting respiratory viruses.

Common respiratory virus symptoms can include body fatigue and soreness, coughing, fever, headache, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis are common upper and lower respiratory infections during the winter, and radiology plays an important role in their detection.

Bronchitis is an irritation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis often develops after a cold or other respiratory infection. During a chest x-ray or CT scan of the chest, a radiologist can determine if the bronchial branches appear darker, which would indicate a thickening and inflammation of the bronchial walls.

Pneumonia is caused by an infection in the lungs. Bacteria or viruses can sometimes enter the lungs through a person’s nose or mouth. Often to diagnose pneumonia, a chest x-ray will be taken of the patient. The radiologist will look for white spots, called infiltrates, in the lungs, which identify an infection. The x-ray will also show if there are any signs of a complication, such as abscesses or fluid surrounding the lungs, called pleural effusions.

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinuses are normally filled with air, but bacterial infections, viral illnesses, and allergies can irritate them, causing them to get blocked and filled with fluid. During an X-ray or CT scan of the sinuses, a radiologist will be able to determine if a problem is present. If the sinus passages appear black on the radiology exam, it means they are clear; if gray or white areas appear, it means the sinus passages are inflamed or filled with fluid.

Radiology studies help medical providers best determine if a patient’s upper or lower respiratory infection has developed into a more serious condition that needs additional care and treatment.

At Imaging Specialists, our expert technicians and on-site radiologists specialize in providing patients with X-rays and CT scans. They proudly offer the most advanced technology to deliver the best care available. Contact our office at (843) 881-4020 to schedule an appointment.