With the children back at school and the weather taking a miserable turn this week, it feels as if autumn is well and truly underway.

Temperatures have also gone down and while we may not think much of it, one expert warns it can raise our risk for a number of potentially dangerous health issues. 

Lee Cartwright, care expert and owner of Mobility Solutions Direct, explained that staying unprotected from cold temperatures can lead to dangerous blood clots, joint pain and a poor immune system.

Therefore, it is important to keep warm where you can.

It is also vital to keep an eye out for any of the potential warning signs of these issues to ensure you or others can seek the correct treatment or advice if needed.

Blood clots

Colder weather can cause your blood to get thicker and stickier.

Lee warned: “Temperature changes caused by moving from cold outdoor air to a warm room forces the body to work harder to maintain a core temperature at around 37.5C. This stress can thicken the blood, making clots more likely to form in your veins and arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

“Clot symptoms can vary but common signs that you have a blood clot include swelling, pain, tenderness and redness in your arms and legs.”

Respiratory issues

Cold air can cause your airways to constrict, making it difficult to breathe, especially if you have asthma or chronic bronchitis. 

“Cold weather also creates the perfect conditions for certain respiratory viruses to spread, like the flu or the common cold,” Lee continued. 

“These viruses can irritate your lungs and airway, making you cough and cause you shortness of breath and other symptoms like sneezing, sore throat and a fever.”

Heart problems

Cold weather can increase the risk of heart and circulatory problems, like heart attacks and strokes. 

Lee said: “As the temperature decreases, blood vessels in the skin and extremities narrow to reduce heat loss, also known as vasoconstriction. This increases pressure in the circulatory system, making the heart work harder and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause significant strain on the heart, especially for those who may have angina.”

Joint pain

Joints can stiffen and become more prone to injury in cold weather. 

“It is suggested that changes in the barometric pressure as a result of the temperature dropping can cause the muscles, tendons and tissues around the joints to expand, contract or thicken, which can lead to joint pain,” Lee said. 

“Additionally, the nerves and blood vessels in your extremities constrict when it is cold, reducing blood flow and circulation. This can lead to your joints becoming stiffer and more painful.”

Raynaud’s 

Raynaud’s occurs during cold weather or when you experience anxiety or stress, causing your blood vessels to temporarily spasm, constricting blood flow. 

Lee said: “As a result, fingers and toes may turn white, blue or red as the blood flow is restored. Since Raynaud’s impacts blood circulation, it can cause pain and numbness in your extremities. If your symptoms are worsening, or interfering with your daily activities, it's important to see a GP for advice.”

Lowered immunity

Cold temperatures can weaken your body’s immune system against colds, flu and pneumonia. 

“Inhaling cold, dry air in winter can affect the mucus in your nose and throat, impacting its ability to trap and clear viruses,” Lee added. 

“As a result, your body’s ability to fight off infections may be weakened. Additionally, cold weather and shorter days trigger stress hormones, which can suppress the immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections.”