In hot weather, nearly all chronic illnesses worsen, particularly cardiovascular, diabetic, and pulmonary conditions, according to Oksana Drapkina, the chief freelance specialist for therapy and general medical practice at the Russian Ministry of Health.
She emphasized the importance of paying special attention to one`s health during periods of extreme heat. General preventive measures she recommended include regularly drinking water, wearing light clothing made of natural fabrics, avoiding sun exposure during peak heat hours, and taking frequent breaks in cool places.
Dr. Drapkina noted that elderly individuals face the highest risk of heat-related health issues. She explained that the body`s heat resistance decreases with age, leading to delayed thirst sensation, slower sweating response, and fewer sweat glands.
Furthermore, older adults often have multiple health conditions, cognitive and physical impairments, and require various medications. Therefore, during hot spells, it is crucial for them to regularly monitor their health, wear weather-appropriate clothing, stay in cool environments, and ensure adequate fluid intake.
“In hot conditions, practically all chronic diseases are aggravated. This is especially true for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and lung diseases,” Drapkina stated.
The specialist added that many medications can directly affect sweating and the body`s thermoregulation mechanisms, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. For prevention, she advised consulting a doctor about the impact of current medications on thermoregulation and adjusting treatment plans during hot weather if necessary.
The Ministry of Health expert stressed that sunstroke and heatstroke are serious conditions with potentially significant negative health consequences.
Sunstroke, she explained, results from direct exposure of the head to the sun`s infrared radiation, causing overheating of the brain and subsequent oxygen deprivation. Key causes include prolonged sun exposure without headwear. Symptoms can include dizziness, severe headache, increased body temperature, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, loss of consciousness is possible.
Heatstroke, on the other hand, develops due to general overheating of the body, which can occur not only in direct sun but also in any high-temperature and high-humidity environment, such as enclosed spaces, saunas, or vehicles. She clarified that causes of heatstroke can include prolonged exposure to heat, working near heat sources, wearing clothing that hinders sweat evaporation, insufficient fluid intake in hot weather, and physical activity in high temperatures.
“To provide aid for heatstroke and sunstroke, it is necessary to move the affected person to a cool place, ensure rest, lay them down with their head slightly raised, remove excess clothing, provide access to fresh air, apply cooling measures like wiping with wet towels or cold compresses, and give them cool water to drink,” the doctor advised.
If a person`s condition worsens after experiencing heatstroke or sunstroke, medical help should be called immediately.
