Many people believe that it is sensitive to weather. We’ll tell you which causes are responsible and what you can do about it.
People who suffer from the sensitivity of weather experience symptoms in the event of weather changes. This can be, for example, with heat waves or thunderstorms. Specifically, it is quickly falling or increasing temperatures as well as changes in air pressure or humidity that can overwhelm the body. “All of this has an impact on our well-being, our mood and our performance,” explains Prof. Martin Scherer, director of the institute and polyclinic for general medicine at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The weather can be responsible for circulatory problems, dizziness or a general discomfort.
According to a survey by the German Weather Service, the following symptoms are among the most common symptoms in the event of weather sensitivity:
- Headache
- migraine
- fatigue
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Sleep disorders
Causes of weather sensitivity
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Felixmittermeier)
Weather changes mean a strain on the human body, which must adapt to the prevailing climate conditions. The vegetative nervous system is responsible for this. This is sensitive to rapid temperature swings. In addition, the following causes of weather sensitivity can be mentioned:
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Chronic diseases: People who suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma or rheumatism are usually particularly sensitive to the weather and have to struggle with stronger complaints than those affected without previous illnesses.
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Stress: Stress and sleep disorders can also lead to affected symptoms in the event of weather changes.
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Mechanisms of action between the climate and the body: people with hay fever, heart disease and circulatory disorders suffer particularly from temperature increases. Affected people with rheumatism, asthma, respiratory diseases, vascular diseases and chronic pain are more uncomfortable. This is due to the fact that the blood vessels extend when the heat, while the respiratory tract contracts in the cold.
Time in the fresh air can help
If the problems last over a longer period of time, it is better to obtain medical advice. “We suspect that the weather conditions affect the vegetative nervous system and therefore lead to symptoms,” explains Prof. Martin Scherer.
While temperature fluctuations are not a problem for some, the body of other people sometimes needs a little longer to adapt. Current personal factors such as stress or working conditions also play a role here, the doctor explains. For example, if you work in the office, you usually sit inside. That also means: less movement and less time in the fresh air. This is exactly a tip to counter the phenomenon.
Because daily walks with no matter what weather can help, Scherer advises. In this way, the body can get used to the temperature change better – and tends to better gone.
But be careful: low temperatures and a dry air can also weaken the immune system. The mucous membranes dry out and make one more susceptible to pathogens.
More tips for sensitivity to weather
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Photogranary)
With these other tips you can support your body and better adapt to changing weather conditions:
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Endurance sports: With regular search for sauna and changing the alternating show, you can also train and strengthen your immune system in the long term. In addition, endurance sports such as cycling can also be very helpful.
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Sleep: Sufficient sleep is also particularly important. For healthy people, the optimal sleeping time is between seven and eight hours a night. You can also do a short afternoon sleep. So you can relax your body and reduce stress, which can otherwise make you more sensitive to the weather.
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Nutrition: Nutrition can also affect the sensitivity to weather. With a healthy and balanced diet at regular times, you can take action against the symptoms. If possible, do without alcohol, nicotine or coffee.
Weather service offers info card for weather -sensitive
The German Weather Service (DWD) offers hazard indices for sensitivity to weather on its website, divided into a map of Germany according to regions. You can prepare with this when the weather changes. The card provides information about possible effects on the general condition, asthmatic diseases, as well as rheumatic and cardiovascular complaints.
With a simple color scale, she also provides an assessment of whether the predicted weather has positive or negative influence on the health of people with the weather – or whether it has no influence.
With material of the dpa.
Read more on utopia.de:
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- Climate change in Germany: 7 episodes that are already noticeable today
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