CAN A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE WEATHER AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?
Can a sudden shift in the weather trigger certain illnesses? Absolutely, says Vikash Modi, M.D., a Piedmont
family medicine physician. In fact, climate change is one of the environmental risk factors most doctors
consider when assessing their patients for certain conditions. “Changes in weather are basically challenges
to our immune system and to our musculoskeletal system,” Dr. Modi says. “Our bodies get used to a certain
[5] climate, and when those things change suddenly, our body has to try to adapt. Unfortunately, sometimes
our bodies have a difficult time adjusting, which can trigger an illness.” Here are six health conditions that
can be triggered by a sudden change in the weather:
“Often we’ll discover that patients are dressing inappropriately,” Dr. Modi says. “They’re not wearing
enough layers or they’re wearing too many layers, and so their bodies get overheated or too cold. That
[10] can affect their immune response and can trigger upper respiratory infections.” When temperatures are
fluctuating, Dr. Modi recommends dressing in light layers. “Dressing in light layers is incredibly important
to protect from cold temperatures in the morning and at night, and you’re still able to shed those layers in
the warm mid-days or indoor settings,” Dr. Modi says.
Heating and air systems struggle to keep up with fluctuating temperatures, and rapidly alternating heating
[15] and cooling systems can dehumidify air. Dehumidified air filled with pollen, dust, mold and mildew is a
perfect storm for severe and chronic sinus and throat issues. So, it’s important to change heating and
air filters every six months. “If your filters haven’t been changed in more than six months, they are likely
blowing dust, mold and mildew-ridden air on you and your family while you are at home or work,” Dr.
Modi says. Dr. Modi also recommends purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
[20] Cold air can trigger seasonal asthma or bronchitis. People who have these conditions should be prepared
to use an inhaler seasonally to avoid severe and chronic coughing episodes. “There is a physiological
response to cold air that causes your airways to close down and tighten up,” Dr. Modi says. “If you have
asthma, that response can be dangerous. You’ll see a lot of people who have bronchitis, coughing, wheezing
and shortness of breath throughout cold temperatures. So, we need to be a little more aggressive with
[25] the control of their lung health.”
“Plants get just as confused as people do with the changing weather patterns,” Dr. Modi says. “This means
flowers bloom early and release pollen, which can aggravate people with seasonal allergies.”
As the weather temporarily improves, it is common for families, co-workers, and school children to gather
for group activities. If one person is sick with a cold or the flu, you may see a minor “outbreak” of illness
[30] following those gatherings. “When large groups gather together, we all need to be a little more careful
about hand hygiene and covering our mouths and noses with coughing and sneezing,” Dr. Modi says. “It’s
also important to frequently clean shared spaces to control the spread of infections.”
When the weather warms up, people are eager to head outdoors. But being extremely active on muscles
and joints that have been hibernating during the cold winter months can lead to injuries. “A good rule to
[35] remember before jumping into those fun physical activities is to start low and go slow, at least initially,” Dr.
Modi says. “It might take a few weeks to shake the rust off. But it will be worth the wait.”
piedmont.org, acesso em 20/09/2019.
Dr. Modi presents suggestions of what to be done when the weather is hot and cold.
According to him, when it is cold, it is advisable to
