Drop in temperature: Here's who needs to watch out

Meteorologists have announced a sudden drop in temperature, which for many people is a sign of health problems. It is known that sudden weather changes are not pleasant for those with cardiac and pulmonary problems. A drop in atmospheric pressure causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the body, which leads to a "deficiency" in the heart muscle and brain. Sudden thawing, then sudden cooling, during which the daily temperature fluctuates significantly, certainly affect health. The most common meteorological reactions are dizziness, headaches, bone and joint pain, and experts warn that those with heart, blood vessel and lung diseases should be on the lookout.

Sudden changes in temperature are felt most by chronically ill and elderly people. In chronic patients, the symptoms of the disease will probably intensify, so those with rheumatoid arthritis will feel more pain, and those with asthma will have greater breathing problems. The reason is a change in atmospheric pressure. When the air pressure drops, the joints stretch, and since they are full of nerve endings, we feel pain.

With sudden changes in the weather, heart patients must be especially vigilant. Due to the sudden drop in temperature, people who have problems with blood pressure and heart problems should not expose themselves to too much effort or heavy physical work, and they must take therapy regularly. At the time of sudden changes in temperature, the number of acute heart attacks also increases.

Those who suffer from frequent migraines and headaches, as well as diabetics, are not spared. Due to the drop in temperature, the blood becomes thicker, making it harder to monitor changes in blood sugar levels.

The feeling of nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue and general weakness is closely related to sudden changes in the weather. Experts speculate that the reason for this is a lot of time spent in closed spaces, due to which the body's ability to acclimatize is reduced.

Seasonal changes cause chemical imbalances in the brain in some people, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. Therefore, with extreme temperature changes, high humidity and changes in air pressure, headaches and migraines are more common.

Viruses

Cold weather favors the spread of viruses because they multiply more easily in cold air. The first immune defense takes place in the nose, but cold air weakens that defense, which is why we are more prone to infections. Also, we are more exposed to viruses because we are more often in a larger group of people in a closed space, reports 24sata.hr.

Narrowing of blood vessels

Blood pressure can rise due to changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature. The blood vessels narrow in the cold, the blood becomes thicker, which is why the heart beats faster trying to deliver oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. Then the pressure increases and the risk of a heart attack is greater.

Hair, skin and nails

In heated rooms, the air is very dry. Cold weather without rain brings a lack of moisture in the air, which further dehydrates the skin, causing it to burn and crack. Also, cold air dries out the skin, which makes it dehydrated and sensitive, and adversely affects the condition of hair and nails.

Cold air narrows the bronchi and makes breathing difficult

Inhaling cold air causes a physical change in which the bronchi in the lungs narrow and make breathing difficult. For asthmatics, such a reaction can be dangerous and cause bronchitis, so it is recommended to take the prescribed therapy as prevention and monitor the condition and course of asthma.

How to ease complaints?

Experts who deal with this problem, generally advise to stay at home during the "critical" time, not to travel, not to tire yourself with heavy physical or mental work, as well as to take the prescribed medicines. Food is very important during these days, and doctors advise to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as liquids. Be sure to avoid alcohol and sugary juices.