The rapidly increasing heatwave conditions across the country are being considered harmful to overall health. Health experts say that the side effects of intense heat and increasing temperature over time are not limited to just heatstroke and unconsciousness, it can also have negative effects on various organs of the body.
Health experts say that it is important for all people to keep protecting themselves from the heat. For people who already have diseases like diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, the rising temperature can have more serious side effects.
Scientists say that it is important to avoid exposure to high temperatures. This can lead to extra pressure on the heart, memory loss, problems like loss of energy, and fainting due to dehydration. The health of the brain, heart, lungs, skin, and kidneys can also be affected.
Effect of increasing temperature on various organs
Let us know how increasing temperature can hurt various body parts.
Brain problem
Scientists say exposure to excess heat may lead to cognitive dysfunction such as confusion or memory loss. Research shows that it may also worsen some mental health conditions.
Effect on heart
Excessive heat puts pressure on the heart, causing it to work harder. If your cardiovascular system cannot properly regulate your body's internal temperature, you may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Effect on lung function
Breathing in extreme heat can also affect lung function. People already suffering from lung problems may be at risk of diseases like asthma or COPD as inflammation increases in summer.
Effect on skin
Skin rash may occur in extreme heat conditions. In conditions of high heat and humidity, the body is not able to produce sweat properly to cool itself, which can increase the risk of all types of skin disorders along with redness and heating of the skin.
Risk of kidney diseases
If you are exposed to extreme heat and become dehydrated, it can also affect your kidney function. It becomes difficult for the kidneys to filter wastes normally, which can increase the risk of many serious diseases.
Risk of brain diseases
Temperature problems, especially high temperatures, can have a serious impact on brain health. A recent research published in The Lancet Neurology journal has found that climate change and increasing extreme heat may hurt the health of people suffering from brain-related diseases like migraine and Alzheimer's. Sanjay Sisodia, lead researcher at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, said that temperature changes (both low and high) are harmful to the brain.
What did the study find?
Reviewing 332 papers published from around the world between 1968 and 2023, the study looked at 19 different nervous system conditions, including stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that high temperatures or heatwaves may increase the risk of stroke, disability, or death.
Not only this, people already suffering from problems like dementia are sensitive to extreme temperatures and in the long run it can have a serious impact on brain function.
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