[ad_1]
How do weather changes affect pain perception in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Why do their joints feel stiffer when it rains? The answers are provided by Mrs. Eleni Komninou, Rheumatologist, Director of the Clinic for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases of the Metropolitan General
Despite a fairly large number of studies examining the effect of weather on problems related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the results remain unclear. Studies examine patient perception (Subjectivity) versus reality (Objectivity). In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, participants were asked if the weather affected their condition. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, many said yes, it actually does.
Many people realize that the weather affects their condition. Most often people complain that colder weather or humidity makes them feel worse than sunnier, hotter, drier weather.
It is known, however, that perception does not necessarily equal reality. In other words, the analysis of symptoms and especially pain is one of the difficulties encountered among studies on weather effects in arthritic patients. Indeed, pain is difficult to objectify as it is a subjective experience with considerable variation between individuals and within the same individual.
It is therefore understandable that the effect of climate on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is often addressed by patients. There are conflicting results in the literature and it is not clear whether the result is a coincidence or a direct effect. Among the arguments put forward to explain the inconclusive findings reported on the effect of climate on pain, the effect of the seasons was also assessed.
Seasons are defined by the climate in a particular place on earth. Seasonality is a phenomenon that has been frequently reported to be associated with various conditions in humans, including disease, development, gene expression, immunity, and physiology. Specifically, the effect of seasonality on autoimmune diseases and joints has been described in studies. For rheumatoid arthritis, this effect has been reported for disease onset, course, and even radiographic progression and severity.
Furthermore, even if the study of weather parameters is considered simple, their interaction with humans is complex.
For many people with arthritis, significant relief of symptoms usually occurs during the summer. Even when there is some humidity, arthritis pain tends to be milder on warmer, sunnier days.
And if there is no moisture?
Dry weather can be much better for arthritis pain. But the pain can get worse during rainy days and winter weather. Barometric pressure, simply put, is the weight of air. Weight increases in good weather (eg sun, heat) and decreases in bad weather (eg storms, strong wind).
In periods of rain and snow, the temperature drops and the barometric pressure decreases. This can cause thickening of the membrane and inflammation in the joints, which makes them stiffer. So the patient may be more sensitive to pain during movement, making the arthritis pain seem worse.
Fortunately, in recent years, the identification and assessment of RA has become more accessible and accurate. In addition, during the last decade, the treatment of RA has shown significant development. So our patients are usually in remission.
The specific peculiarities of climate from different geographical areas could also be a possible explanation for the controversies found in the studies.
in conclusion
The possibility of weather effects on the pain of patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on the season, especially the effect of extreme temperatures is visible.
The results cannot be generalized and seasonal variations, geographical variation within studies and other factors (eg Sjogren’s syndrome) should be taken into account, which may be the subject of future studies.