How Seasonality Affects Chronic Conditions

Managing Asthma, Arthritis, and Diabetes with the Season Changes

For people with chronic conditions like asthma, arthritis, or diabetes, the changing seasons can bring more than just shifts in temperature or scenery; they can also trigger or worsen symptoms. Understanding how seasonal changes impact these conditions is key to managing flare-ups and staying healthy throughout the year. Let’s discuss how different seasons affect asthma, arthritis, and diabetes, and share some helpful tips for managing symptoms during these seasonal transitions.

How Seasons Affect Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. The environment plays a major role in triggering asthma symptoms, and seasonal changes can often make symptoms worse. Let’s look at each season.

• In the Spring, high pollen counts from trees, grasses, and flowers can lead to allergic asthma flare-ups.
• Summer can trigger reactions with the hot, humid air and increased air pollution levels. Mold growth due to humidity is also a common trigger.
• Fall is the worst season for many people who are triggered by ragweed pollen. Cooler temperatures can also cause airway constriction.
• The cool, dry air in winter can irritate the airways, while indoor heating can dry out the air, making breathing more difficult for asthma sufferers.

Staying in front of seasonal allergens can help you manage your asthma flare ups. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Keep track of daily pollen and air pollution levels using weather apps. On high-risk days, stay indoors or limit outdoor activities.
2. In the winter, using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, preventing your airways from drying out.
3. Reduce allergens by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers, and washing bedding regularly. Showering and changing clothes when you come indoors can also help to keep the allergens at bay. 
4. Speak with your doctor about adjusting your asthma medication or adding antihistamines during allergy seasons to prevent flare-ups.
5. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to help warm the air before it enters your lungs during cold months.

How Seasons Affect Arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints, and seasonal changes can significantly impact how people with arthritis feel. Here's how different weather patterns can affect joint pain:

• Many people with arthritis report increased joint stiffness and pain during cold, damp weather. This may be due to changes in barometric pressure, which can affect the joints.
• While some people find that their arthritis improves in warmer weather, others may feel increased swelling and discomfort in hot, humid conditions.
• Some individuals experience joint pain when there’s a sudden change in weather, such as a drop in temperature or a rainstorm.

Managing your arthritis pain will help you to have a better quality of life. Consider these tips for more manageable symptoms: 

1. Regular low-impact exercise helps keep joints flexible and strengthens the muscles that support them. Activities like swimming, yoga, and walking are great options. High impact activities or those with repetitive movements might cause discomfort. 
2. Wear layers to keep joints warm during the colder months, and stay hydrated in the heat to help with inflammation.
3. Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can help soothe stiff joints, especially in the colder seasons.
4. Although there isn’t a specific diet that should be followed for arthritis, many have found that anti-inflammatory foods, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), can help reduce joint inflammation. This can help reduce pain and symptoms.
5. Be mindful of your activities during hot, humid, or cold spells. Consider indoor exercises when the weather is harsh.

Diabetes and Seasonal Changes

Diabetes affects how your body manages blood sugar, and seasonal changes can have a big impact on blood sugar levels. Here's how:

• In the Summer, heat can cause dehydration, which may raise blood sugar levels. Hot weather can also increase insulin absorption rates, which could lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Winter’s chilly weather can lead to increased indoor sedentary behavior, which may raise blood sugar. Additionally, holiday feasts with high-carb foods can complicate blood sugar management.
• During Spring and Fall sudden changes in activity levels or dietary habits, like more outdoor exercise in the spring or carb-heavy comfort foods in the fall, can influence glucose control.

Consider these tips to manage your blood sugar.

1. Drink plenty of water, especially in the summer, to prevent dehydration, which can elevate blood sugar levels.
2. Heat can damage insulin and glucose monitoring supplies, so keep them stored in cool, temperature-controlled environments during hot months. It’s best to dedicate a space for these medical supplies to ensure they are properly stored. 
3. Stay active year-round, whether by walking outside in the spring and fall or doing indoor workouts in the winter.
4. Keep a close eye on your glucose levels during seasonal transitions, as changes in activity and diet can cause fluctuations.
5. In the winter, plan ahead for holiday meals by choosing healthy options, practicing portion control, and monitoring your blood sugar before and after big meals.

No matter what chronic condition you’re managing, working closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized care plan is essential. Seasonal changes impact everyone differently, and a healthcare provider can help you adjust your medication, lifestyle, and daily routines to accommodate seasonal fluctuations. Regular check-ins with your doctor, especially during times of significant weather changes, can help prevent flare-ups and ensure you’re managing your condition optimally.

It is always important to have confidence in a medical team who supports you. If you are working toward better health, our team at Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical wants to be on your team. In addition to obesity medicine, we provide osteopathic medicine, family medicine, and podiatry. We are taking new patients at our two offices in Newport and our Sevierville office. And we accept most forms of insurance. To make an appointment in one of our Newport offices or our Sevierville office, please contact us.