Exposure to high temperatures can have multiple health risks for the human body. These risks can range from minor discomfort to serious and potentially fatal medical problems.
Rising temperatures and health risks go hand in hand, say several public health experts.
A 2022 studyof a very large number of people over the age of 20 suggested a link between extreme heat and overall mortality.
The most significant risks were in the elderly. However, health experts say it is essential that everyone understands the health risks that can come with extreme heat.
“It’s easy in the summer to get distracted by lots of outdoor activities, but the heat can take a toll on your health and make you seriously ill, especially if you’re not paying attention to your body’s signs or you’re at extreme ages,” said Dr. Jo Anna Leuck, MD, of the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University.
“There are easy ways to prevent this impact, so it’s important to understand the dangers of heat and how to avoid them,” adds the expert.
This self-education of the population is a critical necessity as the planet warms due to climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was the warmest year on record. The indications are that 2025 could be even warmer.
The heat creates a number of major health problems, according toHealthline.com.
Recent research suggests that heat waves could increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack, which is generally preceded by migraines.
For example, an observational study based on daily diary entries of 660 migraine patients presented at the American Headache Society’s 66th Annual Scientific Meeting pointed to heat as a migraine trigger.
A 2023observational studyof more than 40,000 respondents, including more than 15,000 people with migraine, suggested that different types of weather, including high humidity, increased the frequency of headaches.
Heat exhaustion is another effect of heat, about which until now less was known. This leads to profuse sweating, dehydration, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Heat exhaustion can also bring on painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs or abdomen, caused by the loss of salts and minerals through sweat.
Hot, dry air can also irritate the airways and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Increased risk for certain groups of people:
- Elderly: May have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Small children: They have an underdeveloped thermoregulation system.
- People with chronic illnesses: May have difficulty adjusting to heat.
- Outdoor workers: Prolonged exposure to the sun and heat can increase the risk of heat-related problems.
A 2020 study indicated that high temperatures are a risk factor for stroke.
The authors noted that there can be a lag period ofone to six days between exposure to weather conditions and stroke.
Protective measures in case of heat wave
Heat protection measures include:
For adults:
- to stay in the coolest room in the house, especially at night;
- if the home is not cool, it is recommended to spend 2-3 hours a day in a cool place (such as a public building with air conditioning);
- travel outside during the hottest period of the day (between 11:00 and 18:00) will be avoided. If these movements are absolutely necessary, they should take place in shaded areas, avoiding exposure to the sun;
- intense physical activity will be avoided, as much as possible;
- air conditioners must be adjusted so that the temperature is 5 degrees lower than the temperature outside because there is a risk of thermal shock if the difference is too great;
- adequate hydration with at least two liters of water daily;
- the diet should be mainly based on vegetables and fresh fruits;
- as much as possible, not to consume alcohol during periods of heat; also avoid drinks with a high caffeine or sugar content, as they have a diuretic effect.
For children and babies:
- ensuring an environment as safe as possible from heat, without excessive humidity and air currents;
- the food regime had until that moment should not be changed by introducing new foods during periods of heat;
- adequate hydration, and for infants, the mother will breastfeed whenever the infant asks;
- the child will be dressed casually, in clothes with comfortable cuts and natural fabrics;
- the child will only be taken out of the house outside the hot periods of the day and with the head covered;
- children will receive water, fresh and well-washed fruit;
- breastfeeding mothers should hydrate properly with plain water, mineral water, mildly sweetened tea, or natural home-made fruit and vegetable juices without added preservatives. The consumption of coffee or alcohol will be avoided and a rigorous breast and general hygiene will be maintained.
For the elderly:
- creating an environment that does not overload the body’s ability to adapt;
- adequate hydration with plain or mineral water, lightly sweetened tea, or natural fruit and vegetable juices. The amount of fluids consumed must be adapted according to the pathologies they suffer from;
- the diet will be based mainly on vegetables and fresh fruits;
- avoiding the consumption of easily perishable foods;
- the consumption of alcohol and coffee during the heat wave is prohibited for this age group;
- to avoid travel during the periods with the highest temperatures. If movement is absolutely necessary, light clothing of comfortable materials will be used, as well as hats or caps, for head protection;
- people suffering from certain conditions will continue their treatment according to the doctor’s instructions and will not introduce new drugs into the treatment regimen on their own initiative. It is very useful for people with chronic cardiovascular, liver, kidney, lung, circulation, mental, or hypertension conditions to consult a doctor in order to adapt the therapeutic scheme to the existing conditions;
- rigorous maintenance of personal hygiene.
Other general recommendations for heatwave
Who should take more care in the sun on hot days? Those who:
- they have fair skin;
- have freckles or red or blond hair;
- they have many moles;
- presents a dermatological condition that contraindicates exposure to the sun;
- they are exposed to intense sun only occasionally (for example, on vacation);
- it is in an exotic country, where the sun is particularly intense;
- have a family history of skin cancer.
