How extreme heat affects our bodies and how we can stay safe
2024-07-16 17:27:41
TiranaPost
What happens to our body in extreme temperatures, what should we be careful of and how to stay safe?
Normally, your body is used to a certain range of temperatures.
According to Dr. Judith Linden, professor in the department of emergency medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, when your brain senses a change, lower or higher, it tries to help your body cool down or warm up.
"There are a number of different ways in which the brain tries to refresh the body. The most common way is sweating. The pores open, the body sweats and the sweat evaporates, which cools the body.
The second way your body cools is by dilating your vessels and increasing your heart rate, which helps bring heat and blood to the surface of your body and helps release that excess heat.
When you are exposed to high temperatures, it becomes more difficult for your body to try to keep up with cooling. And if your environment is hot and humid, sweat doesn't evaporate as easily, which pushes your body temperature even higher.
High body temperatures can lead to damage to the brain and other organs. They can also lead to some heat-related illnesses.
Types of heat-related illnesses
Mild heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, are the most common. Heat pains can develop in people who sweat a lot, including during exercise. Excessive sweating uses up all the body's salt and moisture and can lead to pain or muscle spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs.
A rash may also develop. This is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather and is more common in young children. It is usually a red cluster of pimples or blisters and tends to be in places including the neck, upper chest or elbows.
When your body begins to outgrow its ability to cool itself, you can develop what is known as heat exhaustion.
“In this case you will see excessive sweating because your body will be really trying to keep up with that extra heat. You can feel dizzy, people often have nausea, headaches, and their skin often looks pale and their pulse is often fast," Linden said.
This is the body's last attempt to cool itself down before it truly goes to a point of no return.
Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness and, if left untreated, can lead to death.
Warning signs may include extremely high body temperatures, red and dry skin, a rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness.
The hallmark of heatstroke is confusion and agitation.
Who is most at risk?
The elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and children are at higher risk for severe heat-related illness.
The elderly and people with chronic medical conditions may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature and may take medications that worsen the effects of heat.
How to stay safe
When faced with extreme heat, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
First, don't ignore symptoms of heat exhaustion or other illnesses.
If someone starts feeling dizzy, nauseous or has a headache, it's time to act immediately by staying in a cool environment.
When it's hot outside, try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you must go out, wear light-colored clothing, cover your head, and drink plenty of fluids.
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water, as this can be a sign of dehydration. Linden recommends drinking at least a glass of water, or more, per hour.
Try to find air conditioning, or places in your area where you can go to stay cool. Even spending a few hours at a mall or public library can help.
Finally, make sure you're checking on your neighbors, parents, and friends, especially older individuals who may live alone or in isolation.
