As the weather changes from one season to another, people appear to be sick more often. Is this an illusion or for real? Most of us have been admonished at one time or another by our mothers to put on more clothes in order to ward off “catching a cold.” Is this another illusion or are mothers simply wise? The answer to both questions is, “yes but also, no.”
Most people would agree that sudden weather changes may make us feel under the weather. The truth of the matter is that changing weather can't actually make us sick, as we need to be exposed to the actual bacteria or viruses. What a sudden change in temperature or weather conditions can do is weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to those germs.
Different changes in weather conditions can cause various symptoms:
Boost the Immune System
To boost our immune system, the rule of thumb is to maintain a regular exercise routine and get restful sleep. Gentle exercise helps joints stay loose and prevent weight gain that places extra stress on them.
People can actually feel changes in air pressure in their joints, which is why they can predict the weather by the amount of pain they feel. The tissues surrounding the joints act like a balloon, which expands when air pressure is low. The expansion of the tissues puts pressure on the joints, creating the ensuing pain.
One easy way to prevent increased joint pain during changing weather is to stay warm. In this case, Mom really is right in telling us to bundle up. Not only should we wear layers to ensure warmth at all temperatures, we also need to sleep under warm covers and drink warm or hot liquids to stay cozy from the inside out.
The same advice pertains to those with Raynaud’s disease. Because this disease can cause skin sores at the tips of the fingers and toes, it’s important to support good circulation by staying warm and exercising regularly.
With Sjögren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. This leads to dryness of the eyes, mouth and other tissues. To combat Sjögren’s syndrome, moisture needs to be added back into the environment and the body when the air is dry. This can be done by the use of a humidifier, applying body lotion, dropping artificial tears in the eyes and drinking water throughout the day. Staying away from alcohol, even in minute amounts found in mouthwash, is recommended, to prevent further dryness.
For those who suffer from weather induced asthma or rheumatoid lung disease, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and fever may be the immune system’s responses to the onset of winter air or sudden drops in temperature. The use of a face mask can help filter out the cold, while the heat generated from breathing will warm the air before it enters the lungs.