The health impacts of climate change exacerbate existing health and social inequalities. This inequality further exposes the situation of the most vulnerable, making them more vulnerable and limiting their ability to adapt. Therefore, it is important to understand which population groups and which factors affect adaptation to heat, so that measures can be taken to reduce the effects of heat, especially among disadvantaged groups with social inequalities in health.
indirect effects of heat
Not only does heatstroke or heatstroke affect health, there are other indirect effects, though less severe, that have an impact on the health of people, especially those whose health balance is delicate and can be decompensated for a number of reasons. One of them is high temperature, which can trigger the exacerbation of pre-existing diseases or conditions, mainly but not limited to cardiovascular and respiratory types.
In patients with respiratory diseases, the heat causes the cells to increase their demand for oxygen, which cannot be met in patients with respiratory failure diseases. Hyperventilation (increased breaths per minute) and excessive sweating increase dehydration, which also causes bronchial mucus to thicken, making it more difficult to ventilate the lungs.
In patients with cardiovascular disease, dehydration can lead to hemoconcentration (increased blood viscosity or consistency), which impedes circulation and can lead to blood clots, increasing the risk of cerebrovascular and coronary accidents. Meanwhile, compensatory tachycardia (increased heart rate) can put extra strain on the heart, especially in people with signs of atherosclerosis, and can lead to angina (angina pectoris) or myocardial infarction, which occurs during heat waves.
Water- and food-borne illnesses also increase during the summer months, leading to outbreaks of gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
most affected
Infants and young children have immature thermoregulatory mechanisms and are particularly vulnerable to heat and dehydration. In addition, older children were exposed to more sunlight while playing and did not take precautions to drink enough fluids to replace fluids lost during exercise, and their thirst was not as well-regulated as adults regulation, and they also don’t feel thirsty, at risk.
The elderly over the age of 65, especially those who live alone or lack family support, suffer from chronic diseases, have disabilities or are in a state of dependence, are a group of people who generally lack drinking water and lack nutrition. Their risk of dehydration matters. These individuals often have altered thirst-regulating mechanisms, or do not express the need to drink, and are therefore more likely to become dehydrated.
Pregnant women are also prone to problems due to high temperatures, increased discomfort during pregnancy, and are more likely to become dehydrated. Getting enough fluids is important.
There are a variety of drugs that have adverse effects through different mechanisms under the influence of heat. The most common are: hydration disturbances, electrolyte disturbances, effects on renal function, drugs with pharmacokinetic profiles that may be affected by dehydration, drugs that alter central or peripheral thermoregulation, or induce hyperthermia.
The drugs involved mainly include neuroleptics, antidepressants, anti-Parkinson drugs, bronchodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, anti-anginal drugs, anti-arrhythmia Disorder drugs, antiepileptic drugs, etc.These medicines are used by people with chronic diseases, so itself more vulnerable. Information on the medicines involved and how to use them correctly during a heatwave is available on the Ministry of Health website.
How to deal with extremely high temperatures
Various measures are recommended: stay out of the sun during the hottest hours, drink plenty of fluids immediately, eat light and cold food (salad, vegetables, gazpacho, soup or cream and fruit), avoid eating too much, hot or unpalatable food food. Digestion.
Avoid going out in the heat of the day, and especially avoid working in the sun (which has killed several workers this year).In the street or in the field, walking in the shade, Wear sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses. At home, lower blinds and awnings, especially on upper floors, and stay in the coolest areas or rooms of the house for as long as possible. Finally, frequent showering or grooming, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and comfortable, breathable shoes are recommended.
One aspect that needs special attention is to avoid staying in a stationary car without air conditioning for a long time, even if the windows are open and the weather is cloudy, and do not leave babies, children, the elderly, chronically ill people or pets alone. Inside, even if only for a few minutes. Heat builds up rapidly in a car parked in the sun, and the consequences can be fatal (every summer, a child dies from being left in a car parked in the sun).
You need to take care of yourself and take care of others. If you know people who, due to their personal circumstances, may be considered susceptible to heat, it is recommended that you be aware of them, being proactive in this regard could save their lives.
Finally, heed the instructions of health authorities and use a little common sense. Health threats far exceed our imagination.