Heat bomb alarm, here are the most frequent ailments and when to worry
The record heat that will hit the city of Rome from tomorrow represents a serious danger to human health
ROME – The record heat that will hit the city of Rome from tomorrow represents a serious danger to human health, especially for more fragile subjects such as the elderly, children and citizens with pre-existing pathologies i.
This was stated by the experts of theItalian Society of Environmental Medicine (Sima)who today raised the alarm about the repercussions of the sudden rise in temperatures on the human body.
“DANGER AGGRAVATION OF HEALTH CONDITIONS OF PEOPLE WITH PATHOLOGIES CHRONICLES”
“Excessive heat causes health problems as it can alter the body temperature regulation system – states the president Sima, Alessandro Miani– The human body cools down through sweating,< /strong> butin certain environmental conditions this is not sufficient: excessive humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, with body heat increasing rapidly and can damage vital organs and the brain they can cause mild disorders such as cramps, fainting, edema, but also serious problems, from congestion to dehydration, worsening the health conditions of people with pre-existing chronic pathologies”.
FREQUENT DISORDERS
– Sunstroke: determines erythema or burns also accompanied by symptoms similar to heatstroke;
– Cramps: physical pain caused by a loss of sodium due to sweating and a consequent modification of the water-salt balance;
– Edema: caused by fluid retention in the lower limbs as a consequence of prolonged peripheral vasodilation;
– Congestion: caused by the intake of iced drinks in an overheated body, the symptoms consist of sweating and chest pain;
– Dehydration: main symptoms are thirst, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, anxiety, dry skin and mucous membranes, muscle cramps, low blood pressure;
– Heat stroke: occurs when the physiological capacity for thermoregulation is compromised and manifests itself with a wide range of signs and symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. The first symptom is represented by a sudden general malaise, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of dizziness, leading to states of anxiety and confusion.
PRACTICAL ADVICE
The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine also publishes a guide with practical advice for protecting yourself from the heat:
– Avoid exposure to heat and direct sun and only leave the house during the coolest hours – Ensure adequate air exchange in the house and facilitate natural ventilation
– Keep rooms cool by screening windows exposed to the sun (using shutters, shutters, curtains, etc.)
– Close the windows during the day and open them during the cooler hours of the day (in the evening and at night) – Take frequent baths and showers with lukewarm water
– Drink at least 1.5/3 liters of water during the day, avoid alcohol and prefer foods that contain a lot of water, such as fruit and vegetables
– When you leave the house, protect your eyes with sunglasses and prevent sunburn with sunscreens with a high protection factor – Wear clothes made of natural fibers (linen or cotton) and breathable clothing, preferably if light in color
– Avoid outdoor sporting activity during the hottest hours