A heat wave is not pleasant for many people. But if you adjust your activities a little, it is usually quite manageable. However, it is important for a number of vulnerable groups of people to take this heat into account and to be alert to the health signals.
Who suffers most from heat?
Elderly
Older people suffer more from the heat and are at greater risk of health problems. This is because their body is less able to regulate temperature. Their sense of thirst is less, so their body is less likely to indicate that it needs fluid. In addition, the kidneys work less well, while the kidneys ensure that excess water and waste products are removed from our body. The heart and lungs often work less powerfully. An elderly person’s body also cools down less quickly, because the elderly do not sweat as easily. This means there is a greater risk of dehydration.
Children
In infants, the body also responds less effectively to heat. The body’s ability to regulate temperature is not yet fully developed. This means they are at greater risk of health problems than older children and adults. Moreover, they are completely dependent on others for how they are cared for. For example, if they are dressed too warmly, they can overheat. This can also happen due to insufficient shade.
Overweight people
Overweight people naturally have to carry more weight with them and therefore they get hot more quickly. Furthermore, heat dissipation from the skin is less in this group of people.
Chronically ill
People who are sick are obviously more vulnerable to health problems due to heat. However, the effect of medications can also cause problems in such cases. For example, certain medications have the side effect of making you sweat less or feel less thirsty. In addition, certain medications have an adverse effect on, for example, the regulation of body temperature.
Drinking and drug use
The use of alcohol or drugs increases the health risk in persistently hot weather. Drinking alcohol does keep you hydrated, but alcohol actually has a diuretic effect. The blood vessels also expand due to alcohol consumption, which makes you drunk faster. Moreover, your skin also burns faster. Drug use increases the risk of dehydration and overheating.
Complaints/symptoms
The heat can cause complaints such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, concentration problems and shortness of breath. In serious situations, the following health problems may arise.
- Because the skin is moist for a long time, the drainage of the sweat glands can become clogged. This can lead to itching and rashes from blisters.
- Heat cramps. Cramps in the muscles can occur because the body loses too much salt through sweating.
- Heat exhaustion. If the moisture that is removed through sweating is not sufficiently replenished, you can dehydrate. The result is a fast heart rate, reduced resistance and reduced concentration.
- Pass out. This happens because the body uses too much blood to allow sweating in the skin. This causes insufficient blood flow to the brain. This often causes headache, nausea and diarrhea.
- Heat stroke (sunstroke). If the body’s internal temperature rises too high, it can ultimately lead to death. This serious consequence of overheating is often accompanied by red and dry skin, cramps, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
It is important to be extra alert to the above symptoms. If you suspect heatstroke, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What can you do yourself to prevent health problems?
- Drink plenty of water (one and a half to two liters per day)
- Cool down as much as possible.
- Keep your home as cool as possible by keeping the windows and doors closed and the curtains closed.
- Avoid (especially strenuous) activities during the hottest hours of the day. Move the activities to the morning or evening.
- In addition to water, vegetables and fruit also contain many vitamins and salts. This is therefore extra healthy in the heat.
- Food spoils quickly due to the heat. It is wise to keep food in the refrigerator as much as possible. Food also doesn’t last as long, so throw it away sooner.
- People on medication should consult their GP or pharmacist to determine whether the medication needs to be adjusted.
- Protect your skin well against the sun because of skin cancer. For example, do this with sunscreen.
Be alert to the above symptoms in yourself, but also in others. By following these instructions carefully, you significantly reduce the risk of health problems.
