The October Slide: Managing Symptom Flare-Ups in the Fall

The October Slide: Managing Symptom Flare-Ups in the Fall

As the crisp air of fall rolls in, many people with chronic illnesses notice a familiar pattern: worsening symptoms. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "October Slide." While not an official medical term, the October Slide is widely recognized within the chronic illness community. It describes the increase in fatigue, pain, dizziness, brain fog, and other symptoms that often occur as the seasons shift from summer to fall.

But what causes this seasonal flare-up, and more importantly, what can be done to manage it?

Common Causes of the October Slide

Several factors contribute to the worsening of symptoms in the fall, and they’re not just related to cooler temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:

1. Low Barometric Pressure: Changes in air pressure can directly affect the body, particularly for those with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. When barometric pressure drops, it can lead to tissue swelling, joint pain, and muscle aches​​.
2. Reduced Vitamin D Levels: As days shorten and sunlight becomes less intense, your body may produce less vitamin D. Reecent research shows that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune health and energy levels. For people with POTS, MCAS, and even EDS, lower levels of Vitamin D can exacerbate fatigue, muscle pain, and even cognitive issues like brain fog​​.
3. Increased Stress: For many, the fall season marks the return to school or work schedules, which can increase stress levels. Chronic stress is known to worsen symptoms in conditions such as dysautonomia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome​. Stress can also lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances, compounding the problem​.
4. Seasonal Illnesses: Fall marks the beginning of cold and flu season, which can further strain an already compromised immune system. In people with chronic illnesses, even a mild cold can lead to a significant increase in symptoms​.
5. Less Physical Activity: Colder weather and shorter days can make it harder to maintain regular exercise, which is crucial for managing conditions like chronic pain and joint hypermobility. A decrease in movement can lead to stiffness and deconditioning​​.

Strategies to Combat the October Slide

While the October Slide can feel overwhelming, there are strategies you can adopt to help mitigate its effects. Implementing these steps can improve your ability to manage the seasonal transition.

1. Maintain a Self-Care Routine

Developing a self-care plan is essential to managing symptoms during the October Slide. This can include:

• Pacing activities: Balancing activity and rest can help prevent flare-ups of conditions like fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome​​.
• Healthy diet: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods rich in nutrients. You might also consider increasing your intake of vitamin D through supplements (with medical guidance)​.

2. Monitor Barometric Pressure

Several apps allow you to track barometric pressure changes. By staying aware of when these dips occur, you can adjust your activities or take preventive steps like increasing rest or using pain-relief strategies​.

3. Stay Physically Active

While it’s harder to maintain exercise routines in colder weather, staying active is crucial. Gentle activities like yoga, stretching, or even walking indoors can help keep your joints mobile and reduce pain​.

4. Add Moisture to the Air

The dry air of fall can irritate the respiratory system and skin, which can exacerbate certain conditions. Using a humidifier, especially at night, can help maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home​.

5. Plan for Stress Management

Stress can significantly worsen symptoms during the October Slide. Finding effective stress-relief techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, can help​. If the school year is adding pressure, consider adjustments like asking for help with tasks, exploring homeschooling options, or talking to teachers about accommodations for your child​.

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What Conditions Might Experience an October Slide?

The October Slide can affect a wide range of chronic illnesses, with each experiencing unique symptom flare-ups as the weather changes. Here are some of the most common conditions that tend to worsen during the fall:

1. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances ("fibro fog"), is often affected by seasonal changes. Cold weather and drops in barometric pressure can worsen joint and muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue​​.

2. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

For people with EDS, particularly the hypermobile type (hEDS), joint pain, dislocations, and muscle fatigue can increase in cooler temperatures. Changes in barometric pressure and reduced physical activity can further exacerbate symptoms​​​.

3. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS, a form of dysautonomia, often flares up during seasonal transitions, with symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue becoming more pronounced. The drop in temperature, combined with lower physical activity, can worsen blood pressure instability​.

4. Long COVID

Long COVID sufferers often experience fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive issues (brain fog), all of which can be exacerbated by the changing seasons. The October Slide may worsen these symptoms as daylight hours shrink and the immune system becomes more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses​​.

5. Rheumatic Diseases

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases are particularly sensitive to changes in weather, especially drops in temperature and barometric pressure. This can lead to increased joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue during the fall​​.

6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Those with ME/CFS often experience heightened fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and post-exertional malaise during the October Slide. The colder weather and reduced physical activity can make managing symptoms more difficult​.

7. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can also flare up during the October Slide. Cold weather, decreased sunlight, and stress can weaken the immune system and intensify symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and inflammation​​. For example, people with MS often report worsening of nerve-related symptoms like numbness and muscle spasms in the cooler months​.

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Conclusion

Though the October Slide is a challenging period for many with chronic illnesses, understanding its causes and taking proactive steps can help manage its impact. Whether it's tracking weather patterns, supplementing vitamin D, or maintaining an exercise routine, small adjustments can go a long way in reducing the intensity of symptoms during the fall months.

Sources:

1. Fagerlund AJ, Iversen M, Ekeland A, Moen CM, Aslaksen PM. Blame it on the weather? The association between pain in fibromyalgia, relative humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure. PLoS ONE. 2019​.
2. Bossema ER, Middendorp H, Jacobs JW, Bijlsma JW, Geenen R. Influence of Weather on Daily Symptoms of Pain and Fatigue in Female Patients With Fibromyalgia. Arthritis Care Res. 2013​.
3. Salleh MR. Life event, stress and illness. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2008​.
4. Telfer S, Obradovich N. Local weather is associated with rates of online searches for musculoskeletal pain symptoms. PLoS ONE. 2017​.
5. Claire, Preparing for the October Slide with Chronic Illness throughfibrofog.com.
6. The October Slide: Chronic Illness Flares in the Fall, NormaLyte, normalyte.com.

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