Why does gum pain worsen on rainy days all day long?

There was a reason why I hurt more on a rainy day.

Sigh... I should take better care of my parents on rainy days.

I'm worried that once the rain stops, it will be a heatwaveㅠㅠ

 

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Surprisingly, toothache pain can be triggered on rainy days./Photo = Clipart Korea

 

On the 17th, heavy rain warnings were issued across various parts of the Seoul metropolitan area, and emergency disaster messages were sent. When it rains heavily, humidity rises, making it easy to feel stuffy. It can also worsen joint or tooth pain. Let's learn about illnesses that are easily felt during rainy weather.

 

Tooth decay pain

When it rains, it is surprisingly easy to experience toothache caused by cavities. This is because when the air pressure drops, gases produced by bacteria inside the cavity expand and press on the nerves. Even if you have had a cavity treated in the past, you may still feel pain. If there is a gap between the filling material and the tooth at the cavity site, gas can form and potentially press on the nerve. If the pain becomes severe, it is recommended to visit the dentist to check for any issues.

 

Joint disease pain

When it rains, the atmospheric pressure drops compared to usual, increasing the pressure inside the joints and causing pain. As the air pressure compressing the body decreases, the pressure inside the joint space becomes relatively higher. At this time, the synovial fluid that keeps the joint smooth and the tissues inside the joint also expand, pressing on the surrounding pain sensory receptors. Therefore, for patients with joint diseases, applying appropriate hot packs on rainy days can help temporarily relieve pain. For degenerative arthritis, warm compresses are recommended, while for rheumatoid arthritis or acute injuries, cold compresses are better. Placing a warm towel or an ice pack on the painful area and gently massaging for 15 minutes can be effective.

 

Depression

Cloudy weather can intensify feelings of depression. When it rains, sunlight exposure decreases, leading to a reduction in serotonin hormone secretion, which improves mood. Conversely, the secretion of melatonin, which induces sleep, increases, causing more drowsiness than usual, along with decreased motivation, fatigue, and feelings of depression. If feelings of depression become too severe, it is advisable to take a walk in the rain for about 30 minutes, even while holding an umbrella. This can boost metabolism and alleviate depression by exposing oneself to sunlight.

 

 

Reporter Iara lar@chosun.com