WEATHER-SENSITIVITY/BIOMETEOROLOGY:

Biometeorology refers to the influence of the weather upon our health, well-being and behaviour. Asthma attacks can be triggered by thunderstorms, migraine headaches can be brought on by changes in atmospheric pressure - as can flare-ups of arthritis.  Females seem to be more susceptible and sensitive towards changes in the weather and atmospheric pressure.

A 1997 study reported in medical journal "The Lancet" showed there was a direct relationship between the weather and our health - and the British population are more greatly affected than residents of other countries.  

Low pressure is associated with high humidity and, as well as making us feel decidedly 'under the weather', people with arthritis will suffer especially.  Low atmospheric pressure (and high humidity) leads to high pressure in bones and painful joints as blood is forced to the ends of bones.  The worst times are when a warm front comes in from the west bringing rain.

In Germany, the weather bureau in Hamburg issues daily forecasts to hospitals and physicians as weather conditions and their links with illness are widely recognised. Some German surgeons actually postpone operations to avoid periods of high humidity or storms - to enable patients to benefit from more optimum conditions for recovery. It is widely accepted that surgical scar tissue is more painful in stormy weather.

When air ions are negatively charged, people feel well and revitalised while a high concentration of positive ions can induce a depressed mood.   Positive ions are produced when two weather fronts collide which can induce severe migraine headaches.  Just before a storm, ions are positively charged and can make people who are weather-sensitive feel quite ill with painful joints, headaches, bowel upsets and breathing difficulties.  Some people find an ioniser can be helpful.

Before a thunderstorm, the hot humid, positively charged atmosphere triggers the brain to produce serotonin and these increased levels can lead to symptoms of tension, headaches, anxiety, nausea and vomiting.

Please remember Gut Reaction's founder has no formal medical training or background and cannot advise on individual medical conditions or provide answers to queries of a medical nature.