How to Manage Rheumatism and Immune Diseases in Cold Weather

Title: How to Manage Rheumatism and Immune Diseases in Cold Weather

Introduction: The Qingming Festival can harm rheumatic patients; preventive care and lifestyle habits can help reduce discomfort.

Keywords: ['Mental health', 'Seasonal Care']

Author: Cui Shuang, Chief Nurse in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Ma Ping, Chief Nurse of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Li Jun is a doctoral student in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Review: Xia Ying, Deputy Chief Nurse of the Department of Internal Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Xuan Lei, Associate Chief Physician of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Wu Di, Associate Chief Physician of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Produced by: Science Popularization China

The cover image of this article is from a licensed stock photo library.

Reposting may lead to copyright disputes.

The Concord Star Original Plan | Qingming – Rainy and Cold Winds: Qingming Science Popularization for Patients with Wind-Related Immune Diseases.

"When the pear blossoms bloom, the wind rises just as the Qingming Festival begins, and travelers seek the arrival of spring outside the city." Qingming is a significant marker of late spring, distinct from the equinox where day and night are equal. It is characterized by lingering rain, pervasive humidity, and a sense of melancholy. During this period, the cold and dampness intertwine, making emotions susceptible to fluctuations and travel exhausting. For patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases, this is a high-risk time for their conditions, necessitating targeted care to safely navigate the season.

The unique characteristics of the Qingming festival: dampness as harm, and sorrow weighs on the body.

The climate and cultural characteristics of the Qingming Festival are distinctly different from those of other spring solar terms, and they have a more specific impact on patients with rheumatological and immunological conditions.

The rain seeps into the bones, and the temperature is unstable: during the Qingming Festival, the frequency of precipitation is much higher than during the Spring Equinox, mostly involving continuous light rain. The air humidity remains consistently high, making it difficult to dispel dampness, which can tightly envelop the joints and meridians. Additionally, the temperature drops sharply after rainfall, causing the cold and dampness to intertwine. This combination is far more likely to exacerbate joint stiffness and discomfort than mere wind and cold. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis often exhibit the typical symptom of joint pain when it rains.

Grief wounds the liver, and immunity is easily disrupted: During the Qingming Festival, which focuses on ancestor worship and remembrance, feelings of sadness and depression are hard to avoid. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "worry damages the lungs, thoughtfulness harms the spleen, and anger injures the liver." Negative emotions can directly lead to liver Qi stagnation and impede the flow of Qi and blood, while immune function is closely related to emotional states, making it easier to trigger the recurrence of lupus rashes and aggravate joint inflammation.

Strenuous efforts and exhaustion can deplete vital energy: Going out to pay respects at graves often involves long journeys by vehicle, prolonged standing and kneeling, as well as climbing hills and walking, which far exceed the patients' daily activity levels. Excessive fatigue can directly undermine vital energy, weaken immunity, and become a significant trigger for the recurrence of illness.

Tomb-sweeping protection for Qingming Festival: Act according to your ability, avoid dampness, and prevent fatigue.

Tomb sweeping and ancestor worship is a traditional practice during the Qingming Festival. However, patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases must prioritize their physical tolerance and create a customized tomb-sweeping plan.

First, assess your own capabilities and plan your route: Patients who are physically weak, experiencing active illness, or suffering from significant joint pain do not need to personally visit the cemetery; they can delegate the task to family members to avoid long-distance travel. If a personal visit is necessary, plan a smooth route in advance, avoiding muddy areas and steep inclines. Opt for comfortable modes of transportation, such as driving yourself, and minimize outdoor stay duration.

Secondly, dress to prevent moisture and protect your joints: during rainy weather, it is essential to wear waterproof jackets and non-slip shoes, and to use knee pads and waist support. Pay special attention to keeping areas like your knees, lower back, and neck shoulders wrapped up, as they are prone to getting chilled and damp. Avoid wearing wet clothes, and carry dry change of clothes with you to change into promptly after getting caught in the rain or sweating.

Lastly, to reduce fatigue and stabilize emotions: during tomb-sweeping, avoid standing, kneeling, or bending for extended periods; utilize a small stool for brief rests. Maintain a calm mindset while honoring ancestors, avoiding excessive sadness and crying. It's important for family members to provide companionship and support to prevent emotional fluctuations that could trigger health issues. Always carry medication, warm water, and tissues; if feelings of fatigue or joint pain occur, stop the activity immediately.

Key Taboo for Qingming Maintenance: Strictly Prevent Three Major Recurrence Triggers

During the Qingming Festival, there are three major taboos to keep in mind, as they directly address the specific risks associated with this season:

Avoid getting caught in the rain and exposure to cold, as well as staying for long periods in damp areas: Dampness is a major culprit that can trigger joint pain during the Qingming Festival, so it is essential to take measures to stay dry and warm.

Avoid excessive sadness and staying up late: The combination of emotions and fatigue can easily trigger immune disorders.

Avoid stopping medication on your own or forgetting to take it: During busy times like tomb-sweeping, it is easy to miss doses. It’s essential to set an alarm and adhere to medication guidelines, as this is crucial for maintaining stable health.

The Qingming Festival brings gentle rain and evokes deep sorrowful thoughts; however, health should always be a priority. Patients with rheumatic and immune diseases should not cling to the traditional practices of tomb-sweeping. Instead, they should adapt to the seasonal changes, avoid dampness, balance work and rest, and maintain a scientific diet. This approach allows one to honor their ancestors while also safeguarding joint comfort and stabilizing immune health, ensuring a peaceful time in late spring and maintaining stability in their condition.