Fog and its effects on rheumatism
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rheumatic diseases are a group of diseases, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, and lupus, that cause severe joint pain due to damage to the cartilage or soft tissue that protects the joints.
Dr Sunil Dachepalli, senior consultant in orthopaedics, robotic joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad (India), said: "Smog is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a layer of water vapor condensing near the ground, causing reduced visibility due to small water droplets suspended in the air. Although smog is not a major factor in causing rheumatoid arthritis, it can affect the condition of people who already have the disease."
Additionally, a study by Harvard Medical School found that high humidity in cold weather can make pain and stiffness worse for people with arthritis.
The harmful effects of dense fog
Dr. Dachepali lists some of the harmful effects of dense fog on people with rheumatism as follows:
Increased pain and stiffness: Foggy or damp weather can make many people with arthritis feel more pain and stiffness in their joints.
Changes in barometric pressure: Changes in pressure in fog can increase joint pain, although this effect is not the same for everyone.
Sensitivity to cold temperatures: Cold weather on foggy days can make joints stiffer and more uncomfortable, especially for people who are sensitive to temperature changes.
Measures to deal with the effects of fog
Keep warm: Wearing warm clothes and avoiding cold when going out during foggy weather can help reduce stiffness and pain.
Do gentle exercises: Gentle stretching and joint movement exercises can help maintain flexibility and reduce pain from arthritis, especially in cold or foggy weather.
Use pain relievers: People with arthritis can use pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by their doctor to reduce the pain of frostbite.
Create a comfortable indoor environment: Make sure the air in your home is not too humid, you can use a dehumidifier or heater to regulate the humidity and temperature in your living space.
Conclude
Dr. Dachepali advises that everyone reacts differently to weather conditions. If you notice a connection between the weather, especially fog, and your rheumatoid arthritis, discuss it with your doctor so that he or she can advise you and adjust your treatment plan to help manage your symptoms more effectively.
