A study released last year by the Environmental Satellite Applications Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Lasa/UFRJ) showed that more than 38 million Brazilians are exposed to heat stress. The condition is characterized by climatic conditions that cause the body temperature to rise and fail to remain at the ideal 36.5 °C for the body to function properly.
Given the heat wave and low humidity that has hit Brazilian states this week, the risk of heat stress has increased. “Excessive heat causes intense sweating, dilation of peripheral vessels, a drop in blood pressure and its consequences,” says Pedro Chocair, general practitioner and nephrologist at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo, CNN .
According to the specialist, the risk is more serious for the elderly and for people with kidney disease, as heat can increase the chance of dehydration, which causes a reduction in kidney function.
What are the symptoms of heat stress?
Heat stress can manifest itself through symptoms such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain and neurological manifestations such as mental confusion, dizziness and sleep disorders.
“Heat stress is directly related to health problems. It can range from a headache or fatigue to more serious situations. Those who already have pre-existing medical conditions, especially cardiovascular ones, need to be careful because, at extreme levels, it can even lead to death,” says professor Renata Libonati, who coordinated the Lasa/UFRJ work, in an article published in CNN Brazil last year.
How to prevent heat stress?
The main way to prevent heat stress, according to Chocair, is hydration, especially among the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, who are generally more likely to become dehydrated.
In addition, taking care of your diet is essential to strengthen your body and prevent gastric discomfort that can worsen your health. “Maintaining a light diet, consisting of carbohydrates and low fat, can also contribute to good digestion and prevent symptoms of discomfort such as heartburn and nausea,” adds Victor Sato, general practitioner and nephrologist at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz.
Other tips include:
- Use sunscreen, especially when going outdoors;
- Wear light clothing and accessories to deal with the heat, such as hats, sunglasses and umbrellas;
- Stay hydrated. Ideally, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
- Ingest small amounts of salts, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, present in isotonic drinks and coconut water, for example;
- Avoid physical exercise between 10 am and 4 pm, a period when the heat is predominant and can harm physical and respiratory health;
- Wash your nose and eyes with saline solution: washing can prevent nosebleeds and dryness, as well as preventing eye irritation;
- Keep your home clean, sanitized and airy, as dust and dirt can encourage the growth of bacteria, which can harm your respiratory health.
*With information from Gabriele Koga and João Victor Azevedo, both from CNN, in São Paulo
This content was originally published in Heat stress: how do extreme temperatures affect the body? on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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