Given this summer's record-breaking heat, you might want to know if it's safe to be outside. There's cause to be curious. Climate change induced by the usage of fossil fuels has rendered hazardous, often fatal, heat waves more prevalent across the world.
So, what temperatures should you avoid, especially if you have a chronic illness like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes? we need to invest in learning more so that we can give good advice on staying safe in the heat, especially for individuals with chronic health issues.
Most of us know someone vulnerable to excessive heat. Heat sickness is more likely among the elderly and those using medications that impair the body's capacity to hold onto water, such as diuretics. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below, you should exercise caution on hot days.
Lung conditions
Even for people who spend most of their time indoors, heat can irritate the lungs, producing flare-ups in adults who smoke, have asthma, or have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Heat also raises ozone levels in the air and increases the risk of dehydration, both of which can make breathing more difficult.
Pregnancy
Higher temperatures and pollution might raise the chances of a baby being delivered prematurely or with low birth weight.
Heart disease
Heat has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Mental health
On exceptionally hot days, there is significant evidence of an increase in suicide, homicide, and violent crime. In persons with mood disorders and schizophrenia, heat may have an impact on symptom severity.
On warmer days, anybody with asthma, particularly children, may find it more difficult to breathe. According to some research, inhalers kept in severe temperatures may not perform as effectively, delivering less than the entire amount of medicine.
When it's hot outside, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a tougher time controlling their body temperature and blood glucose. Extreme heat can damage Insulin, insulin pumps, and glucose monitors can also be damaged by extreme heat.
For many patients with chronic diseases (particularly those affecting the heart and kidneys) or diabetes, extreme heat can disrupt the balance of essential minerals in the blood known as electrolytes. A person may experience tiredness, nausea, or a headache as a result of this. In severe cases, a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), or complications with other organs may develop.
To cool your body, you need to develop a personal cooling plan.
