How does barometric pressure affect my joints?

(KIAH) — Are these aches and pains you’re feeling the results of a change within the climate? For some, fluctuations in temperature or atmospheric pressure may very well be the supply of surprising discomfort.

Dr. Niral Patel, an pressing care doctor with MedExpress in Houston, spoke with KIAH on how adjustments in climate would possibly affect the physique for various individuals.

What is barometric pressure?

Barometric pressure, or atmospheric pressure, is the burden of the earth’s ambiance above us. Pressure varies on a day-to-day foundation and by location. Pressure can change with temperature, as nicely. Warm air is lighter and fewer dense than chilly air.

High pressure is related to comparatively good and quiet climate, or sinking air. Low pressure is related to rising air, clouds, and generally even rain or storms.

What affect does climate, notably atmospheric or low barometric pressure, have on an individual’s physique?

More pressure means there’s extra weight pushing down on our joints and tissue. This limits the quantity of enlargement, or swelling of the joints, that may happen. When pressure lessens, even by a small quantity, some individuals can really feel the enlargement inside their our bodies — generally inflicting ache or achiness in nerves and joints.

Patel says all of it will depend on bodily components.

“Usually the elderly, they will feel more pain because their tissues are less dense compared to the younger folks,” Patel stated.

The physician additionally defined that adjustments in pressure can set off migraines, even by somebody doing one thing so simple as shifting from a temperature/pressure-regulated residence into lower-pressure outside areas.

The option to inform the distinction between seasonal allergy symptoms (which may embody sinus pressure) and pressure ache is that allergy symptoms will seemingly embody different signs like runny nostril, watery eyes and sneezing, whereas pressure adjustments aren’t prone to produce these outcomes, Dr. Patel says.

To deal with these signs, Patel suggests victims keep hydrated and take a look at getting common bodily train. For individuals with severe migraines, “if you can stay indoors, in a temperature-regulated home, that’s ideal,” he says.