In case you haven’t noticed, these past few weeks have been pretty humid. While rainfall has been sparse over the summer, this area of the country is notorious for being exceedingly humid. One reason for this is that humidity levels are higher in places near warm bodies of water. This explains why there’s far more humidity over here on the East Coast than on the West Coast. Since the Earth’s oceans flow clockwise, the water by Massachusetts is in the path of a warm water current coming from the South, causing high humidity. However, on the West Coast, the Western winds help cycle out humidity, in addition to their colder waters, due to the Pacific Ocean’s Arctic currents. Because of this, the West Coast is very dry, especially in its warmer climates.

While humidity poses no discernible risks for everyday outdoor activities for healthy individuals, humidity does have an impactful effect on your health. In some cases, humidity can cause some serious health conditions.

Hyperthermia

One of the most severe medical conditions that may arise due to humidity is hyperthermia. Hyperthermia occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature, with the body absorbing more heat than dissipating. People suffering from hyperthermia may display symptoms such as vomiting, heat stroke or headaches. Some health risks associated with hyperthermia, include:

• Dehydration
• Muscle Cramps
• Heat Exhaustion
• Fainting

Asthma

It’s proven that higher humidity makes it more difficult to breathe. This can be especially aggravating, and potentially life-threatening for people with asthma. The hot summer temperatures, paired with the humid air, also makes the summer air pollutant-rich. Therefore, mold grows with ease throughout the summer months, worsening asthma symptoms along with the symptoms for a number of other health conditions.

If you’re experiencing any sudden health problems that may have been brought on by the humidity, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Arlington where we can diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses. For more information, call us at 781.648.4572. We look forward to helping make the remainder of your summer healthier!