That we are facing an increase in temperatures, even more so in the summer period, is not a mystery to anyone. The problem is that according to a report by The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, this phenomenon was not only affecting our ecosystem, but also our health, with greater force in the last 20 years due to the increase in waves of heat.
He heat extreme can cause the body temperature to exceed 40°C, causing seizures, vomiting, headaches and delirium, among others. These are the so-called blows of heata serious condition that, while very dangerous for everyone, is even more dangerous for older people, children and those who suffer from chronic diseases that affect thermoregulation or interfere with access to hydration or cooling attempts, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological or psychiatric disorders, obesity and physical disability, among others.
It is important to consider that a person’s temperature perception is determined by environmental and individual factors, such as respiratory capacity, level of physical activity and even the material of the clothing they are wearing. “People with chronic conditions tend to be more vulnerable since their baseline conditions can alter the perception of the heat or dehydrate more quickly due to the pharmacological treatments they maintain,” says Magdalena Galarce, clinical and pharmaceutical services doctor at Farmacias Ahumada.
For example, the Mayo Clinic refers to medications such as diuretics that would promote dehydration and electrolyte loss, while others interfere with electrolyte loss mechanisms. heat in the body, reducing sweating or dissipation of heat, such as some antidepressants or antihistamines (anti-allergy medications). There are also those that increase metabolism, such as those prescribed for toroid problems and salicylates, such as acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin.
For this reason, it is essential to recognize the symptoms to act in a timely manner and safeguard the well-being of these patients. Among the most common are excessive sweating, weakness or tiredness, cramps in the hands and feet, nausea, dizziness or vomiting, rapid breathing, difficulty speaking, irritability, agitation, hallucinations, seizures and fainting or loss of consciousness. “In these cases, there can also be serious consequences if action is not taken quickly, such as damage to vital organs that become inflamed, causing permanent damage or death,” says Galarce. However, in older adults, the presentation of symptoms may be subtle and nonspecific at first.
The important thing is that the blows of heat They can be prevented and avoided. Galarce emphasizes that “it is important to be aware of the risk and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Likewise, it is essential to stay hydrated, with water or sports drinks, without alcohol or caffeine, and not waiting to drink water because you feel thirsty, in addition to wearing light, loose clothing and staying in cool places.”
Likewise, for no reason can we remain or leave anyone waiting inside a car (including pets that also die from these blows), since the temperature inside them can increase more than 10°C every 10 minutes. Furthermore, “we should avoid doing activities or exercise during the hottest hours, trying to do them early in the morning or at night. Now, if you must also carry out these activities when it is heat“It is important that they take more frequent breaks, in cool places, and hydrate constantly,” says the doctor.
Considering that the Ministry of Health estimated that almost 10 million people suffer from some chronic pathology, nearly half of Chileans live with two or more of them, with three million hypertensive patients, almost 5 million obese and one million 700 thousand with diabetes, avoid strokes heat In this group it is essential.
#combination #lethal
