A psychotherapist named 11 signs of springtime aggravation. Check yourself

Psychiatrist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, scientific director of HSE

“Spring aggravation is not a medical term, but a general description of changes in physical and psychological state with the arrival of warm days. The concept itself is often used to describe the deterioration of general health or the intensification of chronic diseases that can occur in some people with the onset of spring. This phenomenon is due to a number of factors.”

The effects of the changing seasons on the body

There are a number of causes that affect a person. These include:

• Biorhythms. In the spring, production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep and affects circadian rhythms, decreases. This can cause imbalances in the body’s functioning.

• Climatic changes. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure affect well-being. At the beginning of spring, the thermometer column jumps from the night minus temperature to a steady daytime plus. Along with the temperature, the pressure changes, which increases the strain on the autonomic system. During these periods, people with cardiovascular disease and meteorological dependence notice changes in their well-being.

• Level of sunlight. The structure of the retina is arranged in such a way (an inner layer that connects to the brain via the optic nerve) that it immediately responds naturally to the first signs of increased daylight. This contributes to changes in melatonin and serotonin levels, affecting mood and energy.

What diseases are aggravated in the spring?

Separately, it is worth considering which chronic diseases worsen with the change of season.

Cardiovascular diseases

During the transition period from winter to spring, there are often spikes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity. This in most cases causes the elderly to feel worse, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias and chest pains.

Doctors notice an increased incidence of angina pectoris (crushing or pinching pain in the heart area) and hypertensive crises (sharp pronounced increase in blood pressure) at this time. Also, the risk of hemorrhagic strokes increases with sudden changes in weather.

Allergies

In spring, the number of allergens in the air increases, and, accordingly, this leads to an exacerbation of allergies, asthma.

Joint diseases

When the cold weather ends, people with arthritis and osteoarthritis often feel worse due to changes in the weather. Especially when temperature, humidity and pressure change. This leads to pain and swelling in the joints. Also, the transition from winter sedentary behavior to more activity in the spring increases stress on the joints.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Doctors still can not answer why gastritis and peptic ulcer disease worsen in the off-season. One reason may be the change in diet in the spring. In winter we eat more hot dishes, soups and porridge, and in spring we want more fresh vegetables, fruits and greens. In people with peptic ulcer disease, these products without heat treatment cause exacerbation. An additional factor of deterioration is psychological stress and depression.

Cystitis and pyelonephritis

In spring, experts record more cases of exacerbation of such diseases as cystitis and pyelonephritis. The main reason is hypothermia due to the changeable weather in spring from warm to sharply cold.

Causes of spring exacerbation

The human body is susceptible to environmental influences. When the weather changes, there are changes in the functioning of many systems.

1- Weakened immune system

After winter, the immune system can be weakened. Also, flu and ARIs (acute respiratory viral infections) peak during the cold season, so it can be weakened by viral infections by spring.

2. Vitamin deficiency

In winter, there is often a lack of vitamins, especially D and B vitamins. There is a risk of developing spring avitaminosis. A person experiences severe fatigue, low mood and apathy. This is all accompanied by poor skin and hair condition.

3. micronutrient deficiencies

In the colder months, the body uses more energy for heating. Appetite for fatty and carbohydrate foods awakens, and the craving for fruit, on the contrary, decreases. Therefore, a person has a deficit of useful substances.

4. change in hormonal background

In spring, due to more daylight, the level of melatonin and serotonin changes. Follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, progesterone, prolactin and cortisol increase.

5. Psychological factors

These include the presence of seasonal affective disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), BPD (bipolar disorder), emotionally unstable personality disorder, and hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of spring flare-ups

You can determine that you or a loved one is having problems with springtime exacerbation by the following signs:

• fatigue and decreased energy;
• irritability;
• Depresyon;
• mood swings and emotional breakdowns;
• decreased appetite or, on the contrary, increased cravings for food;
• headaches;
• sleep problems: “can’t wake up in the morning, can’t fall asleep in the evening”;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases (allergies, asthma, etc.);
• decreased concentration;
• avitaminosis;
• dry skin.

How to cope with spring exacerbation?

To alleviate or remove the manifestations of spring exacerbation, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.

1. Proper nutrition. Consume a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.
2. Regular physical activity. This helps to improve mood and overall health.
3. Sufficient sleep. It is important to normalize the sleep and wakefulness regime.
4. Avoidance of stress. Practice relaxation and meditation.
5. Prevention of chronic diseases. If you have seasonal allergies, it is important to start taking antihistamines early.

Preventive measures

If you have chronic conditions that have previously experienced a springtime exacerbation, it’s important to prepare for the warm season in advance. Pay attention to the following factors that will help:

• Gradual adaptation to the changes. Avoid sharp temperature changes;
• immunity support. Vitamins, healthy lifestyle, hardening;
• regular medical check-ups. Especially if you have chronic illnesses.

Remember that these tips are general recommendations and do not replace consultation with a specialist. If you are experiencing serious health problems, be sure to see a doctor.