Excessive heat: how to protect yourself from heat strokes, congestions and all the consequences on the human body

Rapid Increase in temperatures On most of Italy it is not just a discomfort: according to experts of the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine It can turn into a health emergency especially for the elderly, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic diseases. The numbers on the other hand speak clearly: in the summer of 2023 the heat caused Over 12 thousand deaths in Italy and more than 47 thousand in Europeconfirming a growing trend and naturally linked to global warming. Understand what happens to the body when temperatures are soten, recognizing in time The symptoms of heat stroke And apply some simple prevention measures can literally save our lives.

Because there is an alert that starts from the specialists

Our internal “air conditioner” is sweating, but if the air is already full of humidity, sweat evaporates little and the heat remains trapped. The heart rate increases to push more blood towards the skin, subtracting it from vital organs: a mechanism that, when environmental temperatures exceed 35 degrees centigrade with high humidity rates He puts heart, brain and kidneys under stress.

A budget of rising victims

As mentioned, in 2023 the exceptional temperatures caused 47,690 deaths in Europe; The sad primacy belongs to Italy with 12,743 deaths. The previous summer had even recorded, on the continent, 61,672 deaths related to heat, according to WHO estimates published in 2024.

Heat stroke: in which cases it manifests itself

When body temperature exceeds 40 degrees centigrade e The thermoregulation collapseslet’s talk about heat stroke. In a few minutes they can appear Mental confusion, convulsions, loss of consciousness and multi -organ damage (brain, liver, kidneys, heart).

If not immediately treated, the mortality rate can reach 80%; Even with timely treatments, the risk of death remains between 15 and 25% and permanent neurological sequences are possible. In addition to cardiovascular collapse, up to 90% of patients develop acute renal failurewhile half goes to respiratory damage or serious coagulopathies.

The signals not to be underestimated

The initial symptoms – headache, dizziness, nausea, red skin or, on the contrary, suddenly dry – They can evolve in a few tens of minutes. Recognize and start quick cooling (fresh shower, wet clothes, immersion in cold water) waiting for the rescue drastically reduces mortality.

Specifically, among the ailments related to the heat, the most frequent are:

• Insolation: determines erythema or burns also accompanied by a symptomatology similar to heat stroke;
• Cramp: physical pain caused by a loss of sodium due to sweating and a consequent modification of the water-seal balance;
• Edema: caused by a retention of liquids in the lower limbs as a consequence of prolonged peripheral vasodilation;
• Congestion: caused by the intake of frozen drinks in a overheated organism, the symptoms are made up of sweating and thoracic pain;
• Dehydration: main symptoms are thirsty, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, anxiety, skin and dry mucous membranes, muscle cramps, lower blood pressure;

Ten essential moves to pass the heat wave unscathed

Asian Woman Drying Sweat in Warm Summer DayPheelings media

1. Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 and 18 and plan any physical activities at dawn or after sunset.
2. Keep theventilated domestic environment: During the day close roller shutters and curtains, at night you favor crossed air currents.
3. Hydrated regularly (1,5–3 liters per day), limits alcohol and caffeine and privileges fruit and vegetables rich in water.
4. Wear light linen or light cotton clothes; Large tense hat and glasses with UV filter when you go out.
5. USA High protective factor solar creams and reapply every two hours.
6. You do warm showers or fresh bathrooms several times a day to lower body temperature.
7. Never leave people (or animals) in the car parkedeven if the windows are ajar.
8. Check daily Soland elderly people, neighbor or fragile family members.
9. Consult your doctor to review any drugs which interfere with the thermoregulation.
10. In case of suspicious symptoms, call immediately 112/118.