KEEP YOUR ENT HEALTHY – ENJOY A JOYFUL LUNAR NEW YEAR

The Lunar New Year is a time everyone looks forward to—a moment when life slows down, families gather, conversations flow, and the warmth of reunion fills the air. However, this festive season can also be a period when health—especially Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) health—is easily affected if not properly cared for. A sore throat, nasal congestion, or prolonged sinusitis can quickly turn joyful holiday moments into days of discomfort and fatigue. 

In reality, during the weeks before and after the Lunar New Year, ENT-related conditions tend to increase due to the combined effects of weather changes, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. Taking a proactive approach to prevention and proper care helps protect your health and allows you to fully enjoy the early days of the new year. 

Understanding this concern, Dr. Lam Thanh Hao, MD, Specialist Level I (ENT) at CarePlus International Clinics, shares some useful information to help you better understand these conditions—as well as how to prevent and manage them effectively. 

1. Lunar New Year – when ENT problems tend to “speak up” 

Toward the end of the year, the weather often becomes colder and drier, with lower humidity levels. This causes the nasal and throat mucosa to dry out, crack, and lose their natural protective function—creating favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to invade. 

In addition, lifestyle habits during the holiday season often change, such as: 

• Irregular meals, with more spicy, oily foods 
• Increased consumption of alcohol and carbonated drinks 
• Staying up late and insufficient sleep 
• Frequent travel and exposure to large crowds 

These factors can weaken the immune system, making ENT conditions more likely to develop or recur—especially in people with a history of chronic sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, young children, and older adults. 

2. Common ENT conditions during the Lunar New Year 

Some frequently encountered conditions include: 

• Acute pharyngitis and acute laryngitis: sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing 
• Tonsillitis: throat swelling, fever, fatigue, and frequent recurrence in cold weather 
• Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis: nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, facial pressure 
• Ear conditions: ear pain, tinnitus, or hearing reduction due to otitis media or upper respiratory infections 

Without proper care and treatment, these conditions may persist throughout the holiday period, affecting daily activities, communication, and overall quality of life. 

3. Warning signs that should not be ignored 

Many people tend to think, “I’ll wait until after Tết to see a doctor,” but delaying medical attention can allow symptoms to worsen. Pay special attention if you experience: 

• Sore throat or hoarseness lasting several days 
• Persistent nasal congestion, thick or foul-smelling nasal discharge 
• Ear pain, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss 
• Prolonged cough accompanied by fever or fatigue 

Early detection and timely management help speed up recovery, prevent complications, and minimize disruptions during the holiday season. 

4. Proper ENT care during the New Year holidays 

To keep your nose and throat healthy during Tết, it’s important to adopt healthy daily habits: 

• Keep your body warm, especially the neck, nose, and ears 
• Drink enough water and increase intake of vegetables and fresh fruits 
• Limit alcohol, spicy foods, and extremely cold foods 
• Gargle and rinse the nose daily with appropriate solutions 
• Avoid cigarette smoke, dust, and polluted environments 
• Get adequate sleep and avoid prolonged late nights 

For children and older adults, closer monitoring of ENT health is especially important to detect abnormalities early. 

5. ENT health – the foundation of a peaceful and joyful Tết 

Maintaining good ENT health not only helps you eat well and communicate comfortably, but also contributes to a truly complete, relaxed, and meaningful Lunar New Year. When the body is healthy, the mind is more at ease—allowing you to fully enjoy precious moments with family and loved ones. 

Timely medical consultation helps identify the exact cause of symptoms, enabling appropriate management and avoiding unnecessary treatments. 

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