Can Temperature Ups & Downs Make You Sick?

Just when you thought spring had sprung, in comes the cold, rainy and windy weather. But all those fluctuating temperatures are just the magic of spring (said no one ever). Not only are these temperature highs and lows hard to dress for—should you be wearing a sweater or a short-sleeved shirt, maybe both?—but the constant changing can feel exhausting, both physically and mentally.

Now is it just you, or do fluctuating temperatures really impact your health? Sort of. After all, temperatures aren’t the only factor that can impact how you’re feeling, especially in this pollen-filled time of year.

So, in the midst of this season’s rollercoaster temperatures, here are some of the effects it may have on your health:

   1. More frequent headaches:Migraines in particular can be impacted by weather—more than 50% of people report weather as a major trigger. This is often due to changes in barometric pressure, which can impact blood flow and increase sinus pressure making headaches more likely.

   2. Sore Sinuses. It isn’t just pollen that can wreak havoc on your sinuses. For many people, it may actually be grass, weeds, dust and/or mold. So, as April showers continue to minimize the spread of pollen, it’s also amplifying these other allergens.

   3. Worsened asthma symptoms. Springtime can be especially challenging for those with asthma. Not only are there allergens at every turn, the constantly shifting temperatures can actually intensify asthma symptoms. In particular, sudden drops in temperature (like before it starts raining) can cool airways rapidly, making symptoms more severe.

   4. Heightened stress. Like with anything else, most of us do best with routine and consistency. So constant changes in temperatures can be a hassle. Whether it’s immune and eye health or joint pain and sleep apnea, when your body is constantly trying to adapt and change, it can put it under a fair amount of stress.

   5. Increased germs—and sickness. Now this isn’t to say that changes in temperature are directly linked to catching colds, but weather may play an (indirect) role. Here’s why: the two viruses most likely to cause a cold (rhinoviruses and coronaviruses), have an easier time replicating when weather isn’t too cold, but isn’t too hot either, making spring a time when these viruses thrive. 

Healthy looks great on you. Having your best spring yet may be easier than you thought. It’s as simple as prioritizing your health by working with your primary care provider, which will leave you feeling energized, fresh and rejuvenated. 

With personable providers, convenient locations and a wide array of comprehensive services, Gwinnett Medical Group offers personalized care for all of your spring health needs. By making an appointment with a primary care provider, you will receive the care you need to enjoy spring to its fullest.

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Ever Wonder Why Your Cold Symptoms Are Worse At Night?

Let’s face it—the common cold isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. After all, how do you think it got its name? It’s really common (approximately 1 billion colds each year). While it may be a nuisance, the symptoms are often bearable and treatable. Once you’re armed with tissues, cough drops and vitamin C, you can manage to tough it out at work, right? But trying to get a full night’s sleep with a cold? Now that’s another story.

We’ve all been there. Restless nights, filled with tossing and turning as you desperately try to get comfortable, can be miserable. A harmless stuffy nose doesn’t seem so minor when it’s keeping you up night after night. So, why is it that nighttime is especially tough when you have a cold? Here are a few explanations:

Gravity. That’s right—the force that keeps you firmly planted to the earth is one of the primary reasons you’re coughing more at night. When you’re lying horizontal, mucus begins to pool in the back of the throat and lungs. Try propping yourself up with a pillow. The incline can help keep mucus from collecting and triggering your cough.

Dry air. That same gush of warm air you feel when you walk indoors is the same air that’s making your cold symptoms worse. Unfortunately, indoor air is far drier than its outdoor counterpart. So, when you’re sleeping, the repeated breathing of dry air can irritate your sinuses, throat and lungs. Try using a humidifier to add more moisture to the air.

Lack of hydration. While you may not want to gulp down a bunch of water right before bed, staying hydrated can help you get a better night’s sleep. Not only does it help to fuel your body’s fight against cold germs, it also helps to minimize symptoms. Fluids work to thin the mucus in your throat and lungs, making it easier to cough up before bed. The more you get out before you sleep, the less you’ll find yourself waking up to a coughing fit.  

    

Is cold and flu season slowing you down?

While the common cold may not seem like a serious health threat, it can progress into infections that are. Illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia are nothing to sneeze at. If your cold symptoms worsen, it may be time to see a doctor. The experts at GMG Primary Care and ChoiceOne Urgent Care can help you get back to doing what you enjoy—including sleeping soundly.