These deadly diseases soar during heatwaves: Here's how to protect yourself

According to a report by the World Health Organization, the next five years will be the hottest since the beginning of the industrial era, the average temperature will rise by 1.5 degrees, and the risk of drought in the world is soaring. In short, global warming is clearly making itself felt.

Climate change and deaths in the summer

And as bad news never come alone, the El Niño phenomenon also increases the risk of hot weather. A situation that worsens our physical and mental state, and can thus encourage the onset or aggravation of certain illnesses.

According to US government estimates, 700 people die from heat waves every year. Experts believe these figures to be vastly underestimated, given the number of deaths caused by the heatwave in several different countries.

Read more:The dangerous reason you should never drink cold water in hot weather revealed

Heatwaves and heart attacks

In the summer of 2022, an estimated 11,000 people died in the UK as a result of heat waves. These are colossal figures, caused by the effects of extreme heat on the body.

Extreme heat increases the risk of having a heart attack. What's more, lack of hydration is also a major factor in heart attacks. So it's best to avoid going out or exercising in the middle of the afternoon.

Read more:Heart attacks are reportedly more common on this day of the week, according to new study

Thermoregulation of the human body

Asthma attacks are also more common, as are acute symptoms of kidney disease. All caused, again, by dehydration. The risk of dizziness and fainting also increases dramatically in hot weather.

As the World Health Organization reminds us on its website:

Rapid rises in heat gain due to exposure to hotter than average conditions compromises the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.

Read more:Here's what you should eat to avoid overheating during a heatwave

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

WHO: Heat and Health

National Geographic: Les fortes chaleurs peuvent vous rendre malade… et même vous tuer