Breathing rain and fog: which diseases worsen in autumn
In gloomy autumn weather, patients often complain to doctors about poor health. Many people associate the deterioration of well-being with dampness and increased humidity. Even the hair in the autumn season does not fit well into the hairstyle. Izvestia looked into why the lower back hurts more often in the off-season, joints ache, old injuries make themselves felt and what measures will help reduce suffering.
My head hurts, mold grows
Rains and fogs bring high humidity and pressure drops. In such conditions, the respiratory tract, heart, blood vessels, joints and even the eyes are more often affected, says Maria Belaya, a therapist at the Scandinavian Health Center.
— When humidity rises and temperature decreases, the air becomes denser and retains dust, mold spores and pollution longer, — says Maria Belaya. — As a result, the mucous membranes become irritated, vascular tone is disrupted and normal heat exchange is disrupted. People with chronic diseases are more likely to feel weak, experience headaches, complain of shortness of breath and pressure drops.
According to Maria Belaya, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is the first to react to humidity. There is a cough, stuffiness and heaviness when breathing. If the house is damp, mold grows more actively, which increases the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
"After rains, the number of fungal spores in the air increases, which can cause seizures in people with allergies," the expert warns. — This condition is called "thunderstorm asthma" — it occurs when spores and pollen particles break up into small pieces under the influence of moisture and penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract.
Cold and humid air additionally irritates the bronchi. To avoid feeling worse, therapist Belaya advises people with chronic lung diseases to follow a treatment plan agreed with their doctor and always have an inhaler with them.
Sudden changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure also affect vascular tone. People with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases on such days suffer from spikes in blood pressure, experience a feeling of heaviness, and suffer from headaches. In bad weather, Maria Belaya advises measuring blood pressure several times a day and, if necessary, adjusting therapy in consultation with a doctor.
According to Maria Belaya, fog reduces contrast and visibility, cuts through light and causes halos around light sources, which negatively affects the organs of vision.
"For drivers and people with cataracts, this can cause blinding and rapid eye fatigue," says the expert. — At night, you should use anti-glare glasses, keep the glasses and headlights clean and do not turn on the high beam. If the eyes dry out or double vision appears, you need to consult an ophthalmologist.
Joints and lower back
In people with joint diseases, pain and stiffness increase in wet weather. Such sensations are associated with changes in pressure and increased sensitivity of tissues to cold, Belaya emphasizes. Timur Yusupov, head of the therapeutic department of the Be Healthy clinic on Sushchevsky Val, a rheumatologist, notes that with high humidity and changes in atmospheric pressure, patients are indeed more likely to complain of increased symptoms of diseases, primarily chronic inflammatory and degenerative. The rheumatologist lists the ailments that make themselves felt in the autumn:
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of pain in the knee, hip and small joints of the hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease.
— Arthritis associated with psoriasis.
— Gout.
— Systemic connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, in which joint syndrome is common.
— Old injuries to the joints and spine.
Thus, there is a connection between wet weather and the well-being of people with joint diseases, and it is widespread, even if we do not fully understand all the physiological processes behind it, emphasizes Timur Yusupov.
In rainy weather, people, especially the elderly, have lower back pain and sore knees. From the point of view of a rheumatologist, there are several theories explaining this phenomenon.
— The first is the baroreceptor theory (reaction to pressure), — says Yusupov. — With a decrease in atmospheric pressure, which is often accompanied by rainy weather, the pressure in the joint cavity may also change. Joint tissues, especially in the presence of edema or inflammation, expand, exerting increased pressure on nerve endings and pain receptors, which is perceived as aching pain.
The second theory is to lower the pain threshold. According to Timur Yusupov, in cold and wet weather, muscles reflexively strain to keep warm. This chronic muscle strain impairs blood circulation in the joints and spine, leading to an accumulation of metabolic products and increased pain.
— The psychological aspect is in third place. Gray, dreary landscapes affect the psycho-emotional state. As a result, the pain threshold decreases. A person becomes more susceptible to discomfort, and pre—existing pains are felt more acutely," explains the rheumatologist.
As for the elderly, they usually already have age–related joint changes - osteoarthritis, decreased elasticity of cartilage and ligaments, and decreased muscle mass. Therefore, according to Timur Yusupov, their musculoskeletal system is more vulnerable and sensitive to any external influences, including fluctuations in the weather.
Natural hydration
Meanwhile, rainy weather is not always harmful. According to Maria Belaya, after precipitation, the air is cleared of dust, and then it becomes easier to breathe. Humidity reduces dryness of mucous membranes and reduces dry cough. Weak sun gives the eyes a rest, and soft diffused light makes cloudy days more comfortable for people with sensitivity to bright light.
When the air is saturated with moisture, there is less evaporation of water on the skin, which means that the risk of dehydration is lower than in summer, comments Yana Shatskaya, dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist at the Be Healthy clinic on Sretenka.
— In such conditions, the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin, its protective layer, is not as susceptible to drying out as in dry weather. The skin is naturally moistened from water molecules suspended in the air, loses less moisture, which makes it more resistant to external aggressors, says Yana Shatskaya.
In a humid environment, the processes of exfoliation of old skin cells and the growth of new ones accelerate, the expert emphasizes. However, very strong winds, cold rain, and dry indoor air when the heating is on can minimize all the benefits of wet weather. Due to these factors, the protective layer of the skin is disrupted, rashes and inflammations appear on it (especially on the hands), and the lips become chapped. Clothing made of synthetic materials that is too warm makes the situation worse. The dermatologist advises to purchase humidifiers during the heating season.
Skin care is changing with the arrival of a wet and dank autumn.
— Serums with hyaluronic acid work differently in such weather: at high humidity they really retain water, but in the wind and cold they can draw moisture from the inside, — warns Shatskaya. — Therefore, it is important to apply a cream with lipids or ceramides to the skin afterwards. Use a light protective cream or emulsion during the day, and more intensive care in the evening to strengthen the skin barrier.
According to the cosmetologist, serums with vitamin C, niacinamide or resveratrol will help neutralize the negative effects of urban moisture saturated with pollutants. They are also able to lighten the skin after sun exposure and remove pigment.
— Autumn is an ideal time to take care of your beauty, as well as for cosmetic procedures in the form of injections, hardware technologies, removal of moles and other skin formations. At this time, the recovery process is accelerated, and the risk of negative sun exposure is minimal," suggests Shatskaya. — It is also the time to lighten the skin using various techniques and to perform procedures to get rid of scars and post-acne.
Natural dampness and humidity are sometimes not enough after severe summer dehydration. Therefore, the cosmetologist recommends consulting with a doctor about procedures that will be an ideal complement to the usual appearance care.
Women notice that their hair behaves differently in wet weather than it does in summer. Water molecules penetrate the structure of the hair and change its shape, notes Yana Shatskaya. Then even the straight styling turns into a wavy one. The expert explains how moisture affects the hair.:
— the cuticle (outer layer) lifts, the hair becomes fluffy;
— porous and bleached hair loses its shine;
— the scalp can become dirty faster due to humid air and hats.
— dry air can increase dandruff.
Yana Shatskaya advises using indelible conditioners and oils in the autumn season — they smooth the cuticle and retain moisture inside the hair.
— Give preference to sulfate-free shampoos so as not to over-dry your scalp. But don't use them on a regular basis," the cosmetologist continues. — After washing, do not rub your hair with a towel, but only gently pat it so as not to injure the shaft, otherwise the hair may break off.
When styling, Yana Shatskaya recommends protecting hair with thermal protection, and in wet weather, she advises avoiding irons and curling irons, especially since the weather will not allow the hairstyle to last long.
How to escape from the dampness
Prevention in the autumn period should be aimed at maintaining joint comfort and improving blood circulation. The rheumatologist advises to keep physically active, calling physical inactivity the enemy of joints. Dosed exercise (hiking, swimming, Nordic walking, therapeutic gymnastics) "accelerates" the blood, strengthens the muscles that take on part of the load, and helps maintain mobility.
"Dress according to the weather,— Timur Yusupov urges. — It is important to keep your joints and lower back warm. Use thermal underwear, insulating knee pads, and comfortable waterproof shoes. Local warming (for example, a woolen belt) can significantly reduce pain.
In wet, inclement weather, the rheumatologist advises to include in the diet foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish), vitamin C (rosehip, citrus fruits, bell pepper), calcium (dairy products) and collagen (jelly, aspic, but without excess fat). At the same time, weight should be strictly controlled, since each extra kilogram creates additional stress on the knee and hip joints.
— Follow the drinking regime. Dehydration has a negative effect on the condition of cartilage tissue,— continues Yusupov. — Take warm baths or showers. This helps to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. Do not interrupt basic therapy. If you are prescribed anti-inflammatory or other medications by your doctor, it is important to continue taking them without waiting for an exacerbation.
If the pain becomes constant, intense, and makes it difficult to live, then you don't need to blame it solely on the weather. In this case, it is necessary to consult a rheumatologist or therapist to correct the treatment.
At home, Maria Belaya advises to monitor the indoor climate and avoid high humidity. Optimal values are 40-50%. If the humidity level is above 60%, mold begins to grow, and mites actively multiply. Humidity below 30% dries out the mucous membranes and skin.
— A hygrometer is suitable for monitoring humidity indicators. Regular ventilation, proper operation of the extractor hood in the bathroom and in the kitchen, the use of a dehumidifier and a purifier with a HEPA filter (fine filter) help. If there is dampness or traces of mold, you need to eliminate the source of moisture and dry the room for two days," says therapist Belaya.
As for the street, its extreme values are considered dangerous — too high or too low, the therapist warns. In cold and windy conditions, high humidity accelerates cooling. In calm and fog, the air stagnates, which increases the concentration of pollutants and mold spores.
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