Heatwaves and Their Adverse Effects on the Body

Posted on: May 24, 2022 | | Written by:

Heatwaves and Their Adverse Effects on the Body

Extreme heat and humidity can have a negative impact on your overall health. While heatwavesaffect everyone differently, excessive sweating, heat exhaustion,low blood pressure, nausea and fainting are some common symptoms associated with them. Heatwaves can be fatal as well; extreme heat can cause a rapid rise in body temperature and this can result in a heat stroke, permanent disability and even death.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “heatwaves are among the most dangerous natural hazards but rarely receive adequate attention because their death tolls and destruction are not always immediately obvious”. Being a tropical country, many parts of India experience sweltering heat and heatwaves every summer. If you reside in a town or city where the maximum temperature crosses the 44-45 degrees mark, you must stay hydrated and make important changes to your lifestyle to stay safe during such extreme conditions. In addition to these, you must also take health insurance plans for yourself and your loved ones for financial security during medical emergencies.

What is a heatwave?

A heatwave or heat wave is a period of extremely hot weather or abnormally high temperatures. It is often accompanied by high humidity and can lead to excessive sweating, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and more. Heatwaves can last for several days and even several weeks in certain places and they often cause a range of heat-related conditions.

How does extreme heat affect our bodies?

Extreme heat can increase body temperature and cause the following:

• Low blood pressure:

When the body temperature rises, the blood vessels dilate, and the blood pressure falls. Hence, your heart is forced to work harder to circulate blood in different body parts and organs. This puts more pressure on the heart and extreme cases can increase the risk of a heart attack.

• Heat rash and swelling:

Extreme heat and humidity often lead to heat rash, swollen feet and other conditions. Heat can temporarily widen the blood vessels and cause fluid to collect in your feet, legs, arms and fingers.

• Loss of fluid and salt:

Excessive sweating due to heatwaves can lead to loss of fluid and salt. In severe cases, you might experience muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

• Heat exhaustion:

Low blood pressure and loss of fluid and salt from the body can result in heat exhaustion, thereby causingheadache, profuse sweating, confusion, tiredness, nausea and fainting.

• Heat stroke:

This is a serious condition which happens when the body temperature rises rapidly but the sweating mechanism fails. Sweating is important for the body to cool down, and the absence of sweating can increase the body temperature further and lead to permanent disability or death.

• Respiratory conditions:

High temperatures can also increase harmful air pollutants and lead to respiratory issues.

Why do they cause these symptoms?

When it’s extremely hot outside, our bodies need to work harder tomaintain a normal temperature, which can be between 97 degrees Fahrenheit to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, the blood vessels become wider for increased blood flow and sweating. However, profuse sweating can make you feel sick and nauseous due to excessive loss of fluid and salt from the body.

How do I help someone with heat exhaustion?

If you see someone with heat exhaustion, here’s what you should do:

• Take them indoors or under the shade. It is important to move themto a cool place immediately.

• Ask them to stop all activity and lie down.

• Give them cold water to drink. Sports drinks or any kind of rehydration drink is also good.

• Spray some cold water on their head and body. Keep ice packs on their neck and armpits, if possible.

In case they don’t feel any better and their body temperature continues to rise, call the doctor immediately. Do not wait for more than 30 minutes as they may suffer a heat stroke. A heat stroke can lead to a lack or absence of sweating, a rise in body temperature, and loss of consciousness.

Who is more vulnerable to heat exhaustion?

The following people are more vulnerable to heatwaves:

• Little kids

• Senior citizens

• Less mobile people

• People with heart conditions

• Diabetics, as their bodies lose water more quickly

• People suffering from brain diseases, such as dementia as they may not be aware of the heat

Do certain medications increase the risk?

Certain medications do increase the risk of heat exhaustion. However, peopleshould not stop taking the prescribed medications without consulting their doctors. Instead, they must eat healthily, stay hydrated, and avoid stepping out when it is extremely hot outside.They must also take adequate health insurance plans and stay covered against medical emergencies. Somemedications that can increase the risk of heat exhaustion are:

• Blood pressure medicines:

Also known as anti-hypertensives, the medicines used for lowering blood pressure can cause blood pressure to drop dangerously during heatwaves. During heatwaves, blood vessels get dilated to cope with the heat. These medicines may combine with the dilated blood vessels and cause extremely low blood pressure.

• Diuretics:

These pills help the body to get rid of salt and water. However, diuretics can lead to dehydration during heatwaves and cause heart failure in some too. They may also lead to deficiencies of important minerals in the body. Those taking medications for Parkinson’s and epilepsy are also at a higher risk. These drugs can block the sweat glands, and this can increase the body temperature further.

Can heatwave and heat exhaustion be fatal?

Yes, heatwaves and heat exhaustion kill many people around the world every year. Most people suffer from heart attacks and strokes as the heart needs to work harder to keep the body cool. Heavy sweating can cause dehydration in many. It can also change the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood, thereby affecting the heart and nerve cells. In severe cases, breathing or heartbeat can stop suddenly.

How to keep your body cool in extreme heat?

You can do the following to stay cool and healthy during heatwaves:

• Drink more water, juices, milk, and other liquids

• Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content

• Limit alcohol intake

• Avoid stepping out when it is extremely hot outside

• Use hats, scarves and umbrellas outside

• Use ice packs

• Take cold showers

• Wear loose and breathable cotton clothes

• Close the windows and use shades or curtains

Conclusion

Heatwaves can affect our bodies in different ways and cause a lot of discomfort. They often lead to heavy sweating, dehydration, heat cramps,heat exhaustion and even heatstroke in some. Hence, as the temperatures begin to rise, you must increase fluid intake and take all possible precautions to stay safe. This includes having the right foods, avoiding excessive sun exposure and keeping family health insurance plans handy for all family members. A health insurance policy covers hospital bills as well as other associated expenses and keeps away financial setbacks during medical emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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