Extreme heatwaves Delhi: Five health risks associated with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees

A severe heatwave that reached 45–47 degrees in several areas of North India, including Delhi, has made it crucial to take precautions against heat exposure in order to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related ailments. Elevated body temperatures can cause severe harm to the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs, as well as other chronic problems. It is imperative that you stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water, as well as fruits, vegetables, buttermilk, nimbu paani, and coconut water.

The body’s natural capacity to regulate temperature may be severely compromised above 45 degrees or higher, which can result in disorders like heat stroke, which can cause fever, disorientation, dizziness, or seizures. Extended exposure to high temperatures might potentially harm vital organs such as the heart, brain, and other tissues. If proper measures are not taken to cool the body down, it may potentially be deadly.

According to Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, exposure to outside temperatures more than 45°C (113°F) can have detrimental, even fatal, impacts on human health.

Heat stroke can result from the body’s inability to control its internal temperature at such high temperatures. High body temperature (over 40°C or 104°F), disorientation, unconsciousness, and occasionally convulsions are among the symptoms. Heat stroke can be fatal if medical attention is not received right away. Severe dehydration results from the body losing fluids quickly through perspiration in an effort to cool down. According to the specialist, “this can result in symptoms like intense thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine production, and in severe cases, confusion, dizziness, and fainting.”

Unsettling consequences of the heatwave

Dr. Tayal lists further negative consequences of being in a severe heatwave:

Damage to the brain and heart: Hyperthermia, or dangerously elevated body temperature, can be brought on by extended exposure to intense heat. If left untreated, this illness can harm the muscles, heart, brain, kidneys, and kidneys, which can result in long-term health problems or even death.

Extended exposure to high temperatures can result in heat exhaustion, a milder type of heat-related disease. Severe perspiration, weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and cramping in the muscles are some of the symptoms. It can develop into heat stroke if left untreated.

Skin damage: High temperatures can lead to serious skin damage, such as sunburn and, in severe cases, second-degree burns, especially when accompanied with bright sunshine. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can also raise the chance of developing skin cancer.

cites the following five important health impacts of temperatures rising beyond 45 degrees:

1. Heat stroke and exhaustion
The body finds it difficult to regulate its temperature when it is exposed to high temperatures over prolonged periods of time. Heat exhaustion may result from this, which is characterised by symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and profuse perspiration. Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a potentially fatal illness when the body’s ability to regulate its temperature fails, if it is not treated quickly. Heat stroke is characterised by a high body temperature (over 40 degrees Celsius), disorientation, a fast heartbeat, and unconsciousness. Getting medical help right away is essential to avoiding fatalities or major problems.

2. Lack of fluids
The body quickly loses water through perspiration when it is really hot, trying to cool down. Insufficient consumption of fluids may result in dehydration. When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, it becomes dehydrated and can’t perform its regular tasks. Dehydration symptoms include weariness, dizziness, dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased urination. Electrolyte abnormalities, shock, and renal damage can result from severe dehydration.

3. Stress on the heart
Elevated body temperature exerts additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Blood arteries dilate (expand) to remove heat, and the heart beats harder to pump more blood to the skin’s surface. This increased effort raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can worsen pre-existing cardiac problems. Extreme heat events put older people, those with cardiovascular disease, and people with hypertension at risk.

4. Issues with breathing
Because ground-level ozone and other pollutants are more concentrated in warm weather, the quality of the air might deteriorate. The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality can worsen respiratory ailments including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, heat encourages the spread of allergens and particulate particles, which worsens respiratory conditions.

5. Skin issues and heat rash
Heat rash, which is characterised by sweating and prolonged exposure to high temperatures, can result in swollen and clogged sweat ducts, which can produce pain and itchy red lumps on the skin. Furthermore, too much sun exposure raises the possibility of being sunburned, which damages skin and raises the chance of developing skin cancer. In periods of intense heat, wearing adequate clothes and sunscreen is vital to protecting the skin.

Preventative actions

To lessen the damaging effects of intense heat on health

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water all day long, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Steer clear of coffee and alcohol since they might dehydrate the body.

Keep cool by spending time in air-conditioned spaces throughout the hottest parts of the day. Take cold showers, use fans, and dress in airy, loose-fitting clothing.

Minimise outdoor activity: Steer clear of vigorous activities, especially during the warmest times of the day. If you must go outside, make sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent rests in the shade.

Keep an eye on those who are susceptible: Due to their increased vulnerability to heat-related diseases, keep a watch on the elderly, young children, and individuals with ongoing medical issues.

Use sunscreen: To shield your skin from damaging UV rays, slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.

Being aware of the rising temperatures and being prepared are essential to avoiding health problems associated to heat. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the risks of severe heat by keeping up with weather predictions and heat advisories and by taking preventative measures.

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