Weather influences what you wear and your activity choices and it can also impact your health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) points out that changing weather patterns and climate change have led to higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, mental health issues, as well as viral and bacterial infections.
Depending on where you live, seasonal changes can cause health problems and create or worsen sensitivities. For example, many people suffer from seasonal allergies in spring and fall, and dry winter air can lead to skin problems.
Climate can also affect mental health, with seasonal changes leading to depression or anxiety due to a lack of sunlight or isolation.
If you understand your sensitivities and health risks associated with your climate, you can prepare to limit the impact the weather has on your health.
Blood pressure
Temperature and atmospheric pressure can impact blood pressure. Colder temperatures narrow arteries, forcing the heart to pump harder to circulate blood through your body. Researchers found similar effects during changes in atmospheric pressure.
Weather alone is not enough to cause chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). Stress, a high-fat or high-sodium diet, obesity, alcohol or tobacco use, and a lack of physical activity are primarily responsible for this condition. However, if you already suffer from hypertension, temperature changes cause issues.
Mood
Weather, especially during the winter, can impact mental health. For some people, the short dark days and colder temperatures can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD is caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of serotonin, the hormone for elevating mood. Serotonin production increases with exposure to sunlight, so people spending days inside often experience a drop in the hormone.
SAD symptoms are similar to depression and include feeling down, lacking energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability. These feelings can be severe enough you may struggle to go to work or school and lose your desire to socialize.
Often, the change in seasons relieves these symptoms. Treatments include light therapy, which involves a lamp that mimics sunlight and spurs serotonin production.
Allergy symptoms
Over 100 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of allergy, with seasonal allergies by far the most common affliction. In springtime, summer and early autumn, plants and trees spread pollen, causing symptoms such as irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties.
Allergy sufferers will also typically experience symptoms during certain times of the year. When the pollen, mold or other trigger disappears for the year, the symptoms abate. The seasonal nature of allergies differentiates them from a virus or chronic condition like asthma.
Because they are seasonal, most doctors treat symptoms of allergies using medications like antihistamines, which block the chemical causing the allergic reaction.
Hair and nails
Colder weather brings several challenges to hair and nails. Firstly, outside air and heated indoor air are dry. The lack of humidity makes hair and nails brittle and less flexible as the natural oils dry up. The conditions can cause breakage and splitting.
Secondly, colder temperatures slow circulation as the body focuses on keeping your vital organs warm. This process leaves less energy for hair, nails and other external parts.
Artificial moisturizers, proper head and hand coverings, and proper health practices can protect hair and nails during winter. You can also use a humidifier to increase moisture levels in your home.
Skin
Dry weather can impact your skin, making it more prone to minor cuts and scrapes. In winter, cold air can strip away the oils and moisture that keep skin soft and healthy.
The dryness may also increase the likelihood of infection because the skin’s natural defensive barrier is weak. Thick, oil-rich moisturizers, indoor humidifiers and proper outdoor clothing help combat dry skin.
Skin dangers also exist in the summertime. Sunburn causes temporary discomfort. However, in the long run, the damage from overexposure can be more severe. Many skin cancers are linked to long-term sun exposure. Sunscreen on exposed skin can protect against this danger.
Tooth sensitivity
Extreme cold can also cause tooth pain, particularly in people with existing sensitivities. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, usually caused by a lack of enamel, decay or gum problems.
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth. It protects the dentin and pulp, which are more sensitive. When the tooth decays or the enamel is worn or scratched, the cold gets directly into these portions of the tooth, causing pain.
It is possible to strengthen teeth and repair cavities to counteract these sensitivities. You can make an appointment with a dentist to access these treatments.
Headaches and migraines
Weather-related factors, such as high temperatures and humidity, can also contribute to the increased chances of certain types of headaches, such as sinus headaches and migraines. For instance, pollen and increased sunlight may trigger allergies, which can cause inflammation in the sinuses.
Also, changes in barometric pressure and temperature may lead to tension headaches in some people. Meanwhile, UV radiation from the sun might cause photophobia, or light sensitivity, which can bring on cluster headaches and migraines.
You will need to define the trigger for your headaches to limit exposure, but over-the-counter painkillers can effectively treat most symptoms.
Respiratory issues
Weather changes may also trigger respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma or other breathing difficulties. These problems can occur during weather extremes, such as high heat or freezing cold.
Hot, humid air typically holds more moisture than cooler air, making regular breathing more difficult. Breathing moisture-laden air will activate the nerves in your lungs, narrowing and tightening your airways.
High humidity also makes the air stagnant enough to trap pollutants and allergens such as pollen, dust, mold and smoke, all of which can trigger asthma and allergic responses in the lungs.
Autoimmune disorders
Weather can worsen autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis and lupus. These conditions worsen when exposed to conditions promoting inflammation. Temperature, humidity and barometric pressure changes can affect inflammation levels.
For instance, low temperatures can cause inflammation in the body, which can aggravate the symptoms of these disorders. Meanwhile, high temperatures alter the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints, making arthritis and lupus pain worse. Hot weather is also linked to rashes associated with lupus.
Cold and flu risk
Rapid temperature changes can weaken your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Some common signs of a weakened immune system include frequent illness, slow healing, chronic fatigue and digestive problems.
These generalized ailments could mean you are more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu because the immune system is unable to protect you.
Awareness of how weather affects health can help you prepare for seasonal changes and limit your exposure to conditions that inflame your sensitivities.