Truth or myth: Can weather swings really affect your health?
Do weather changes really affect human health (photo: Freepik)
Many people experience a certain weakening in their health when the air temperature rises or falls. Is this really because of weather changes? Ukrainian pediatrician Dariia Vlasenko answers.
Do weather changes really affect health?
Modern research shows that weather sensitivity is not just fiction. Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity can affect a person's physical and mental state.
“A systematic review published in 2023 found a link between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain. Low temperature, high humidity, and high atmospheric pressure can increase pain in patients with osteoarthritis,” the doctor said.
Weather changes can be stressful for the vascular and autonomic nervous systems. The body does not always have time to adapt, and this causes a reaction in the form of pain, weakness, or anxiety.
Almost 30% of the world's population experiences some type of meteorological disorder.
Meteosensitivity is an increased sensitivity of the body to weather changes: atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature, wind. It is not a disease, but it can exacerbate the course of chronic conditions.
Symptoms of weather sensitivity include
- headaches and migraines
- weakness, fatigue
- sleep disturbances
- pain in joints or muscles
- mood swings, anxiety
- fluctuations in blood pressure
Who is most affected by weather changes
The most weather-dependent people include
- people with migraines
- patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatism
- people with cardiovascular diseases
- people with anxiety disorders
- elderly people
- sometimes even children
How to help yourself
Weather sensitivity is not a disease, but a condition. Only symptoms or background diseases need to be treated.
The doctor advises keeping a diary of weather and symptoms, being physically active, drinking enough water, and sleeping 7-9 hours.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
