The well-being of many people depends on weather conditions. In this case, they talk about meteorological dependence. What does mean atmospheric pressure mean and how does it affect the health of residents? How to minimize the effects of its fluctuations? What is considered the norm?
Standard condition
By atmospheric pressure is meant the weight of the air pressing on the human body and other objects on the earth's surface. This ratio is 1.033 kg per 1 cm 3 . Our mass is controlled every minute by 10-15 tons of gas.
The average normal atmospheric pressure at a temperature of 0 ° C reaches a mark of 760 mm Hg. Specific values are standard. Pressure is measured at sea level, so it is considered the norm. Sometimes they say: “One atmosphere” or “Three atmospheres”. In the latter case, pressure cannot be called the norm in any way, since it exceeds the average by 3 times. By atmosphere is meant a standard mark.
The pressure is not stable, it fluctuates every day. Its indicators depend on weather, topography, level above the sea, time of day and year, climate. Pressure changes due to the propagation in the atmospheric layer of waves of a different nature from sound to synoptic.
Minor changes in 2-3 divisions of the mercury column do not affect well-being. A difference of 5-10 units leads to painful conditions. Jumps that are several times higher than the previous figures can be fatal. So, in a mountain landscape, when rising to a height, consciousness is lost when the pressure drops by 30 units.
Nature made sure that the human body was flexible and able to adapt to any conditions. Acclimatization is a prime example. However, not all people can safely survive the change of climatic conditions. For example, mountain residents are not able to adapt to the weather in the lowlands.
Atmospheric pressure measurement
This parameter can be measured in pascals, bars, millimeters of mercury. The last unit is used in the barometer. Like the device itself, this name for the pressure unit of measure is understandable to ordinary people. Therefore, they know what the average atmospheric pressure is when recording data with a barometer.
In physics, resort to pascals. The norm in this case is 101 325 Pa = 760 mm. The last unit of measure is 1 bar = 100,000 Pa. The standard is 1.01325 bar.
The effect of atmospheric pressure on the weather
Since the average atmospheric pressure varies to low and high indicators, we can say what weather is expected in the next few days. Such a forecast is not particularly accurate. It all depends on many parameters. An accurate forecast is difficult because the average atmospheric pressure varies for each region of the planet.
Anyone can navigate and say what kind of weather is expected. If the pressure drops below the average, then there will soon be rainy and cloudy days. Sunny weather occurs when the parameter is increased.
In winter, the situation changes dramatically. Under reduced pressure, warming and possible precipitation are expected (snow). Raising the parameter - the key to clear weather, respectively, will be frosty.
Pressure and man
Normal, low or high pressure are very conditional definitions. People can get used to and adapt to everything. It is more important to observe the dynamics and amplitude of the differences.
In cities with over one million people, atmospheric pressure is considered as a variable value due to the large concentration of skyscrapers. This type of building can be compared to a mountain. The more a person descends and rises on a high-speed elevator, the sharper he reacts to pressure drops.
Doctors say that the pressure in the middle ear is atmospheric. How else is the weather related to human health?
Meteorological dependence
If the average value of atmospheric pressure fluctuates by more than 1 unit in 3 hours, then a healthy, strong body gets stress. Any meteo-dependent person has symptoms: drowsiness, migraine, fatigue. Among the most sensitive people are patients with diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory systems. Older people react sharply to minor fluctuations.
To minimize weather vulnerability, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:
- monitor the weather forecast;
- consult a doctor;
- get enough sleep;
- to establish a sleep mode;
- balance your nutritional schedule and eating habits;
- drink vitamins;
- walk for a long time in the fresh air;
- Do not overwork;
- buy a barometer and monitor the fluctuations of the mercury column.
Risk groups
With low atmospheric pressure, hypotension and people with impaired respiratory functions are at risk. Due to such differences, they most often have seizures and exacerbation of symptoms. The risk of a hypotonic crisis increases.
With high atmospheric pressure, hypertensive patients and people with diseases of the cardiovascular system suffer. On such days, the likelihood of combating a heart attack or stroke increases.
Due to fluctuations in the mercury column, baroreceptors are irritated in the body. Nerve endings signal the brain about a deterioration in well-being due to weather changes.
Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure worsen the well-being of patients:
- with diseases of the respiratory system: pleurisy, bronchitis, asthma, chest injuries;
- cardiovascular ailments: hyper- and hypotension, atherosclerosis;
- chronic diseases of the organs of the ear and smell: sinusitis, otitis media, frontitis;
- impaired brain activity: increased intracranial pressure and injuries;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system: rheumatism, arthrosis, osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of diseases at low or high atmospheric pressure
Signs of poor health depend on the average atmospheric pressure at a particular point in time.
With a reduced rate in humans, the following are observed:
- lowering blood pressure;
- drowsiness, lethargy;
- pulse lowering;
- difficulties with the respiratory system;
- dizziness and migraines;
- nausea;
- problems in the digestive tract;
- headache;
- fatigue.
With increased atmospheric pressure in humans, the following symptoms appear:
- the appearance of redness on the face;
- increase in blood pressure;
- noise in ears;
- increased heart rate;
- black dots in front of the eyes;
- nausea;
- pulsation in the temporal region;
- dizziness.
Recommendations for improving well-being
If the average atmospheric pressure has fallen sharply or increased, weather-dependent people have a hard time. The following tips will help minimize weather damage and deal with internal discomfort:
- take a contrast shower in the morning;
- hypotensive and people with mild hypertension can drink a cup of weak coffee;
- during the day, green tea with lemon is a priority;
- the amount of salt should be reduced;
- do feasible physical exercises;
- for rest and relaxation in the evening, drink decoctions of soothing herbs, chamomiles with honey or a glycine tablet.
Differences in atmospheric pressure cause mental disorders. Anxiety and irritation, insomnia or restless rest appear.
According to statistics, sudden changes in atmospheric pressure lead to an increase in accidents and offenses, industrial emergencies.