Islamabad:During the intense heat wave that is hitting the population hard in most parts of the country including this region, exposure to extreme heat, sunlight for a longer period of time can cause damage to the brain, heart, skin, kidneys and other crucial organs.
According to health experts, in the existing hot weather conditions and the heat spells expected ahead, people must follow preventive measures religiously to avoid dehydration and other summer-related health threats.
In extreme hot weather conditions, the body loses fluids rapidly through sweating in an attempt to cool down and it may lead to severe dehydration. Symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth and reduced urine output should be taken seriously. If one experiences confusion, dizziness, and fainting, it may be alarming as the condition can be fatal if adequate steps are not taken well in time to cool down the body.
Prolonged exposure to extremely high environmental temperatures particularly under strong sunlight can cause the body temperature to rise dangerously high, resulting in hyperthermia. Studies reveal that hyperthermia may cause a significant damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, skin and muscles leading to even long-term health issues or death if not treated in time.
Exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration impairs the body functions affecting the crucial organs badly. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dark urine, reduced urination, fatigue, and dizziness. Severe dehydration can cause kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. Exposure to strong sunlight can cause severe skin damage including sunburn.
Exposure to extreme heat may badly affect the cardiovascular system putting an extraordinary burden on the heart causing an extra stress. Studies reveal that to dissipate heat, blood vessels dilate (expand), and the heart pumps more vigorously to increase blood flow to the skin’s surface and the additional workload on the heart can exacerbate existing heart conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals with cardiovascular diseases, the elderly, and those with hypertension are particularly at high risk of heart attacks and stroke in the extreme hot weather conditions.
Studies also reveal that high temperatures can worsen the air quality by increasing the concentration of ground-level ozone and other pollutants that can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
People must be aware of the fact that the elderly, children, and those with chronic health issues are more vulnerable to life-threatening heat-related illnesses. The most important thing is to avoid exposure to sun during the severe heat spells.
