Why and how does low barometric pressure affect human body?

Question

Why and how does low barometric pressure affect human body?

In: 4

Answer 1

Low barometric pressure means there’s a little less force from the air around us pushing on us. As a physician I routinely see two consequences:

1) headaches and migraines. Presumably this comes from the increased pressure gradient (difference) between something in the skull, like sinuses, and the air outside

2) joint pain. Joint spaces are basically sealed compartments (incidentally also why you can pop joints) and a drop in barometric pressure, especially a fast one, doesn’t give the joint space time to adjust, causing swelling and pain. (Much worse in people with advanced osteoarthritis)

So the next time you hear an old lady predict rain because her bad knee is acting up, pack an umbrella.