Día de los Muertos: Consejos para pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas

Title: Day of the Dead: Tips for Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Author: Cui Shuang, Chief Nurse of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Reviewer: Xia Ying, Deputy Director of Nursing, Department of Medicine, Peking Union Medical Hospital. Co-Authors: Ma Ping, Chief Nurse, Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology and Immunology Section, Beijing Alliance Hospital; Li Jun, PhD Student, Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology and Immunology Division, Peking Xiehe Hospital; Wu Di, Associate Doctor, Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology and Immunology Division, Beijing Coalition Hospital. Produced by: Popular Science China.

Original plan from Concordia Star丨Day of the Dead—With rain, humidity, and cold, specific scientific information for patients with autoimmune diseases.

"The breeze of pear blossoms blows during Qingming, travelers seek spring and have already left the city." Qingming is a characteristic milestone of late spring. Unlike the spring equinox, which is marked by equal day and night, Qingming brings persistent rain, penetrating humidity, and an atmosphere of melancholy. During this time, the combination of humidity and cold can lead to emotional fluctuations and travel fatigue. For patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases, this is a high-risk time for their health; therefore, it is essential to specifically care for their well-being to enjoy the festivities peacefully.

Qingming, or the Festival of the Dead, is characterized by a unique climatic feature: humidity can be detrimental, and feelings of sadness and nostalgia can affect individuals' physical states.

The climate and cultural characteristics of Qingming are distinctly different from other periods of spring, which also has a more specific impact on patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases.

The rain soaks to the bone, and temperatures are unstable: during Qingming, the frequency of precipitation is much higher than during the spring equinox, characterized by fine, continuous rains. The air's humidity remains high for extended periods, making it difficult to eliminate the pathogenic moisture that strongly adheres to joints and meridians. Additionally, the drastic drop in temperature after the rain causes a combination of cold and humidity, which considerably exacerbates joint stiffness, pain, and heaviness. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis often experience the characteristic symptom of 'joint pain when encountering rain'.

Sadness damages the liver, and immunity becomes destabilized: Qingming, centered on honoring ancestors, brings emotions of melancholy and depression that are difficult to avoid. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that worry affects the lungs, sadness impacts the spleen, and anger affects the liver. Negative emotions can lead directly to liver qi congestion and ineffective circulation of energy and blood, which is closely related to immune function, facilitating the reappearance of lupus rashes and exacerbation of joint inflammation.

Hustle and fatigue, along with depletion of vital energy: tomb visits often involve long transportation, standing or kneeling for extended periods, and walking on sloped terrain, exceeding the daily activity levels of patients. Excessive effort can directly deplete vital energy, weaken immunity, and become a significant cause of disease relapses.

Exclusive protection for Day of the Dead commemoration: act according to one's abilities, avoid humidity, and prevent fatigue.

Tomb visits and ancestor worship are traditions during Qingming, but patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases should prioritize their body's tolerance and customize an exclusive plan for this activity.

First, act according to your capabilities and plan the route: patients with a weak constitution, during active disease periods, or with evident joint pain and swelling do not need to go to the cemetery in person; they can ask a family member to make offerings, avoiding long journeys. If attendance is necessary, plan a smooth route in advance, avoid muddy and sloped sections, choose comfortable modes of transport such as driving, and reduce outdoor time.

Additionally, it is important to wear waterproof clothing to protect joints: on rainy days, it is essential to wear waterproof coats and non-slip shoes, as well as knee pads and belts, focusing on covering the knees, lower back, neck, and shoulders, which are areas prone to the effects of cold and humidity. Avoid wearing wet clothes and always have dry clothes available to change. Change immediately if you get damp from rain or sweat.

Finally, control time and reduce effort; adjust your emotions: during the tomb visit, avoid standing, kneeling, or bending for too long, and consider using a small bench to rest briefly. When remembering ancestors, maintain a calm attitude, avoid excessive crying or deep sadness; it is advisable to have family accompany you to help channel emotions and prevent emotional fluctuations that may aggravate health problems. Carry medications, warm water, and disposable tissues, and if you feel fatigue or joint pain, immediately stop any activity.

Keys and taboos for care during Qingming: strictly prevent the three main causes of relapse.

During the Qingming festival, it is essential to remember three major taboos to avoid specific risks of this season.

Avoid getting wet in the rain and do not stay too long in damp places: humidity is one of the main causes of joint pain during Qingming, so it is crucial to stay dry and warm.

Avoid excessive sadness and fatigue: the combination of emotions and fatigue can trigger disorders in the immune system.

Avoid interrupting treatment or forgetting to take medication: during the hustle of tomb visits, it is easy to overlook medication. It is necessary to set an alarm and follow a medication regimen, which is fundamental to maintain disease stability.

The rain of Qingming caresses the earth, invoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Health should be the primary concern. Patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases should not cling to ceremonial tribute but rather adapt to climatic conditions, avoid humidity, balance work and rest, and follow a healthy diet. In this way, they can honor their ancestors while caring for their joint comfort and maintaining stable immune status, thus enjoying the beauty of this late spring season and ensuring the stability of their health.

The cover image of this article comes from a copyright image library.

Reprinting may generate copyright disputes.