In summer, the heat becomes a serious challenge for the human body. Prolonged exposure outdoors at high air temperatures can provoke health-threatening conditions. Doctors emphasize: it is necessary to pay particularly close attention to one's well-being when the air temperature exceeds the climatic norm for several consecutive days.
UNN has learned how to protect oneself from overheating and other health-threatening conditions in the summer.
How heat affects the human body
The human body maintains a constant body temperature thanks to a complex system of thermoregulation. When heat arrives in the country, the body begins to release heat more actively through sweat. In addition, blood vessels react to the increase in air temperature (they dilate), which provokes poor health in people with blood pressure problems.
However, in excessively hot weather, these mechanisms may not be sufficient. A person loses a significant amount of fluids and minerals, the load on the heart increases, and overall well-being deteriorates. High temperatures can also affect concentration, productivity, and sleep quality.
It is particularly difficult for the body to adapt to a sudden increase in temperature when the heat sets in sharply after a cool period.
Main health risks in the heat
Among the conditions that can negatively affect people's well-being and health, doctors note:
- dehydration;
- heat stroke;
- disruption of the cardiovascular system.
Why dehydration is dangerous for humans
One of the most common threats in the heat is dehydration. Due to intense sweating, the body quickly loses water and electrolytes necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems.
Among the main symptoms of dehydration are:
- intense thirst;
- dry mouth;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- weakness;
- decreased urine output;
- dark-colored urine.
In severe cases, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, loss of consciousness, and other serious complications.
Heat stroke and overheating: how they affect the body
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or in a stuffy room can cause the body to overheat.
Early signs of overheating include:
- increased fatigue;
- nausea;
- weakness;
- rapid heartbeat;
- headache;
- dizziness.
The most dangerous condition during prolonged heat is heat stroke. It occurs when the body is no longer able to cool itself effectively. Body temperature can exceed 40 degrees, and the person's condition deteriorates rapidly.
Among the symptoms of heat stroke, medics list confusion, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a sharp deterioration in general condition.
In such cases, the person requires emergency medical assistance.
How the cardiovascular system reacts to heat
Heat creates an additional load on the heart and blood vessels. In order to cool the body, the organism dilates the vessels, and the heart begins to work more intensely.
In people with cardiovascular diseases, this can provoke fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses. The risk of developing heart attacks and other serious complications also increases.
Even healthy people can experience rapid heartbeat, weakness, or dizziness during heat due to a drop in blood pressure.
Summer heat: who is at risk
The most vulnerable to prolonged dry and hot weather are young children, the elderly, pregnant women, those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, patients with diabetes, people with kidney diseases, individuals working outdoors, and athletes.
In addition, the risk of overheating increases for people who consume alcohol, as well as those taking certain medications that can affect thermoregulation processes and water balance.
What to do during heat to support the body: doctors' advice
To reduce the negative impact of heat on the body, medics recommend drinking water regularly without waiting for intense thirst to appear. After all, in hot weather, the body's need for fluid increases. Preference should be given to ordinary drinking water. It is worth limiting sugary carbonated drinks and excessive caffeine consumption, which can increase fluid loss.
If a person is sweating actively or performing physical labor, it is also necessary to restore the electrolyte balance.
In addition, in hot weather, medics advise preferring light food. The diet should include more vegetables, fruits, berries, and other products with a high water content. One should avoid excessively fatty and heavy food, which creates an additional load on the body.
It is advisable to choose light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics that allow air to pass through well. It is also important to use headwear and sunscreen while being in direct sunlight.
Experts recommend avoiding being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day whenever possible, usually from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
When to seek medical help in the summer
It is necessary to seek medical help immediately if the following appear after being in the heat:
- high body temperature;
- severe dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- confusion;
- seizures;
- severe shortness of breath;
- chest pain;
- vomiting.
Also, a doctor's consultation is necessary for people with chronic diseases if their condition worsens during the heat.
Experts emphasize: most negative consequences of heat on the body can be prevented through early prevention. Maintaining a hydration regime, limiting exposure to direct sunlight, and paying close attention to one's own well-being help significantly reduce health risks even on the hottest days.
Reminder
In the coming days, heat will arrive in Ukraine. In most regions of Ukraine, thermometers will show up to +29 degrees Celsius.