Charlotte doctor explains extreme temperature swings' impact on bodies

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas have become famous for their roller coaster temperature changes during the year. Charlotte made it to 86 degrees on Tuesday, but the temperature dropped by 30 degrees on Thursday morning.

The drastic change in Charlotte’s weather has affected trees, plants, crops and even people’s health.

Channel 9 meteorologist Vicki Graf spoke to Dr. Roopen Patel of the Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, who said any big change in the weather like temperature, humidity or pressure changes can have an impact on a person’s body.

The extreme changes can have a bigger impact on people who are more prone to respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD, according to Patel. The changes can lead to itchy eyes, runny nose and a cough.

The temperature swings can also lead to a spike in the flu.

[LINK: CDC information on the flu]

“Just that rapid change going from a very hot setting to a very cold setting or vice versa can impact the tissue in our nasal passages, in our airways, and can cause them to swell up and cause all of these symptoms to occur,” Patel said.

He said that sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference between whether a person has allergies or if the symptoms are caused by the weather. Patel said the best thing to do is to get tested, then a specialist can tailor your treatment.

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