SoCal residents almost never know what to expect from the weather -- especially at this time of year. A few weeks ago, we braced for El Niño’s major showers, followed by the usual cold weather and strong winds. Instead, we’re suffering through temperatures near 90 in the middle of February, and dry winds that are activating a variety of allergy and respiratory symptoms:
As if the weather wasn’t headache enough, people with migraines may find their headaches being triggered by the change. A sudden rise in temperature or dip in the barometric pressure can set off a migraine. Studies have found that the odds of a migraine flare rise 7.5% for every 9°F increase – which translates into a 20% increase when the high goes from the 50s to the mid 80s.
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Aside from medications you may already be taking to prevent frequent migraines, try to keep track of the temperature and pressure changes that trigger your flares, to get some lead time to make adjustments in your routine. You might plan to spend more time in air-conditioned areas, or to refill your preventive medications early just in case.
If you suffer from lung conditions, weather changes can make breathing difficult in a hurry. Santa Ana winds carry pollen and other allergens into your airways, which can trigger asthma attacks; hot temperatures can increase breathing effort to keep your body cool; and low humidity can make phlegm thicker and harder to clear from the chest. When these happen together, the chance of an asthma flare goes way up.
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Staying cool is important, but even more so, staying well hydrated with drinks, as well as humidifying the air you breathe. Spend more time indoors with central air, to minimize exposure to dust and pollens – at least during the worst of the heat and winds. And definitely stay well stocked on your asthma medications.
People that suffer from the rashes of eczema can expect their skin condition to worsen when the weather changes – cold snaps or heat waves can do it, as can a sudden dryness from the Santa Ana winds. The usual areas like knuckles, elbows, and ears can become dry, red, cracked, and weepy.
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Keeping the skin moisturized is key to prevention: applying moisturizers regularly, and minimizing drying exposures like strong detergents, soaps, or prolonged immersion in hot water. Once the rash flares, you’ll likely need a prescription cream or ointment to treat it for a week or two.
Don’t let the weather get you down – sweating in February is a pain, but with some planning and forethought you can minimize any derailments to your routine. And don’t forget: we’re in the peak month of the influenza season this year, even though it’s been hot and dry. Remember to visit your local urgent care in Woodbridge, urgent care center in Fountain Valley, or urgent care in Costa Mesa if you happen to feel under the weather. We’re here to serve you!
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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