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Human-induced climate change is already making heat waves more frequent and intense around the world.
Scientists studying the effects of global warming on weather say every heat wave today bears the signatures of the climate crisis.
Climate change, caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels, is exacerbating extreme weather events around the world, many of which are heat-related.
Heat kills more Americans than any other weather-related disaster, and this situation will only get worse as the world warms from burning fossil fuels.
Learn what happens to your body in extreme heat, what to watch out for, and how to stay safe.
what happens to your body
Normally, the body is accustomed to a certain range of temperatures, usually between 97 degrees Fahrenheit and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. When the brain senses a change, it tries to cool or warm the body by going lower or higher, says Dr. Judith Linden, executive vice chair of emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center and a professor at Boston University. Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine.
“There are a lot of different ways[the brain]tries to cool the body. One way, the most common way we think of it, is by sweating,” Linden said. “Your pores open, your body sweats, and the sweat evaporates, cooling you down.”
The second way your body cools down is by dilating your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate. This brings heat and blood to the surface of the body and releases excess heat.
Exposure to high temperatures makes it harder for your body to cool down. If the environment is hot and When it’s humid, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate, causing your body temperature to rise even more. Mayo Clinic.
“The higher the humidity, the lower the temperature required for extreme heat,” Linden says.
High body temperature can damage the brain and other vital organs. CDC Say. It can also cause some heat-related illnesses.
mild fever-related illness heat cramps, Most commonly, Linden says, heat cramps can occur in people who sweat a lot, such as during exercise. Excessive sweating can use up all of your body’s salt and water, leading to muscle pain and cramps, usually in your abdomen, arms, and legs. CDC.
a heat rash It can also be developed. According to the CDC, this is a skin inflammation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather, and is most common in young children. This is usually a red lump of pimples or blisters and tends to occur in areas such as the neck, upper chest, and elbow creases.
When the body begins to exceed its own cooling capacity, the so-called Heatstroke.
“In this case, you’ll see excessive sweating as your body tries to cope with the extra heat. You may also feel light-headed or dizzy, often with nausea or headaches, and your skin will They are often pale and clammy and have a rapid pulse,” Linden said.
“This is the body’s last attempt to cool itself down before it really reaches a point of no return.”
heat stroke It is the most serious heat-related illness and can be fatal if left untreated.
“That’s where your body temperature rises above 104 to 105 degrees, and that’s where your body’s mechanisms start to fail,” Linden says.
According to the CDC, warning signs include extremely high body temperature, red or dry skin, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
Linden said heatstroke is characterized by confusion and excitement.
“So if someone is confused and agitated in the heat, it’s heatstroke until proven otherwise, call 911 or get help right away to get the person out of the heat.” You must.”
Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and children are at higher risk of developing severe heat-related illness.
Older people and people with chronic illnesses are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature and may take medications that worsen the effects of heat. CDC Said.
“The same goes for very young people, because they’re less likely to notice heatstroke and less likely to come out of the heat if they start to feel overheated,” Linden says.
Student-athletes and pets are also at high risk, she added.
“Never leave children or pets in your car for even a minute in this type of weather,” Linden added.
If your area is facing extreme heat, there are several things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
First, be aware of symptoms of heat stroke or other illnesses. “If someone starts feeling light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, or has a headache, it’s time to take action,” Linden says. “That means getting kids out of the heat and into a cooler environment.”
You can cool down a person who has symptoms by pouring water over them and giving them fluids. If someone begins to lose consciousness or feels nauseated or vomiting, call 911.
“If you see someone with any kind of confusion, that’s an immediate red flag,” Linden added.
Linden says when it’s hot outside, try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must go out, wear light-colored clothing, cover your head, and drink plenty of fluids.
Don’t drink water until you’re thirsty. It can be a sign of dehydration. Linden recommends drinking at least one glass of water every hour, if not more.
“If you start to feel light-headed, dizzy, sweating, or have a fast heartbeat, get out of the heat right away,” Linden says.
Follow us to find air conditioning and places in your area to stay cool. Ready.gov. Even just a few hours at the mall or public library can help.
Fans can be helpful when you’re at home, but don’t rely on them as the only way to stay cool. It may feel comfortable, but it won’t help prevent heatstroke.
“If you’re in a really hot room, does a fan help? No, I think if you have a fan and you can mist yourself, a fan can help,” Linden said. “The fans are definitely not okay.”
Finally, be sure to check on your neighbors, parents, and friends, especially older adults who live alone or are isolated, Linden said.
