by InTrieste
It may be unheard of to outsiders but one of the most common fears in Italy is getting hit by a ‘colpo d’aria‘ – a blast of air – that can lead to all manner of ailments, from ‘cervicale‘ neck stiffness to ‘mal di fegato‘ liver pain.
Italians are generally known to be cautious in matters of health, as perhaps reflected in their average life expectancy, one of the highest in the world.
Drafts of all kinds are to be avoided, while sudden drops in temperature need to be managed carefully.
The colpo d’aria is most associated with the colder months, when not wearing appropriate vests, scarves or coats can leave people exposed to chills.
However summer poses its own seasonal dangers. Chief among these is getting an overdose of air conditioning or being too close to a fan.
So what is the colpo d’aria blamed for?
The most common complaint is a stiff neck and muscle pain, however it is also cited as the cause of colds, ear infections, ‘red’ eyes, flu, sore throats, headaches and indigestion.
Although doctors frequently attempt to dispel the myth, the colpo d’aria is deeply ingrained in Italian culture, particularly among the older generations.
Is the colpo d’aria a real medical condition?
While it is unlikely to be the cause of the long list of ailments attributed to it, there is an element of truth behind the phenomenon, and not just in Italy.
Sudden changes in temperature, including the difference between indoors and outdoors, can affect the efficiency of the body’s immune system.
So how do you cure a colpo d’aria?
The most common cures include rest, wearing a jacket indoors until the pain passes, bathing in hot water, applying Arnica, oil massages, saunas and steam rooms.
What about Triestini and Bora?
Well, as far as we know most Triestini think bora wind is awesome and is best experienced in the middle of Molo Audace one one of those 100 km per hour days.
You seem to doubt it, but as far as I’m concerned, the Colpo D’Aria is indeed a very real fact. My neck and my back have been testifying it throughout the course of my life!
well it’s. not a medical condition Ed, it’s a catch all phrase Italians learnt from generations of self diagnosis that conveniently use terms like “colpo d’aria” or better yet “cervicale” to explain everything that ails them.