Climate and fibromyalgia: how to adjust the internal thermostat?
People with fibromyalgia usually say that a certain type of weather, or temperature change, makes their symptoms worse. Many complain of being cold all the time, or hot all the time or alternately.
And it is true, several studies confirm it: this symptom is called temperature sensitivity.
Experts explain that, in patients with fibromyalgia, the internal thermostat is broken, a “dysregulation” that makes patients more susceptible to certain conditions. In other words, if it is very hot, the person is likely to feel even more extreme. His body will suffer exaggeratedly, with more sweat, more thirst, more intolerance. This can lead to a decrease in pain, but also an increase in fatigue. Some research shows an inability on the part of the body to adapt to changes in temperature, as well as a low threshold of pain tolerance associated with heat and cold stimuli. It’s that people with fibromyalgia have a different impact from external stimuli: many have extreme physical sensitivity to certain situations. And the weather is no exception. Exhaustion and other typical symptoms are very much associated with the climate.
In winter, on the contrary, pain becomes the protagonist. People with fibromyalgia can feel a lot of the cold and it will take longer to get into the heat. In turn, the cold causes pain. Humidity, on the other hand, can also increase joint pain, which affects the general condition. of the patient. It is important to adjust clothing and warm-up to avoid these images and take them into account when planning a vacation. The feeling of well-being becomes a key for the person and his family. The cold is not a good ally. Recommendations for hot days: eat cold drinks and foods
Use an umbrella for shade
Use a visor instead of a hat
Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabric.
Avoid hot baths or showers.
Take a cold water rinse before going out and before going to bed.
Start the car and the air conditioner a little before leaving, enough to cool the car.
If you use a fan or air conditioner, avoid blowing on it. People sensitive to cold feel frozen to the bone and have difficulty heating Recommendations for cold days It is important to keep in mind that in people with fibromyalgia, the body cannot adapt properly, so the feet remain cold, and even wearing thick socks may not help warm the feet; Therefore, the environment has a greater impact on the body. Here are some ideas to prevent this from happening: Keep your feet covered in cold weather.
Dressing warmly (however, overdressing can trigger heat sensitivity symptoms)
Drinking hot drinks Consuming
hot foods such as soup and oatmeal
Warming up the car before leaving the house
Maintaining a warm and pleasant environment
Have blankets and shoes handy
Thanks for the reading!
