Recently, the weather has been noticeably hotter than usual. Furthermore, the term "heatwave" is increasingly being used in the news and on social media. This phenomenon is not limited to subtropical countries but is also becoming a concern in various tropical regions as extreme temperatures are increasingly being recorded due to climate change.
Although often confused with ordinary hot weather, a heatwave is a distinct phenomenon. Exposure to high temperatures over several days can increase the risk of various health problems, especially if the body is unable to regulate its temperature optimally.
Therefore, it is important to understand what a heatwave is , how it affects the body, and what steps can be taken to protect yourself when environmental temperatures rise.
Understanding Heatwaves: When Hot Weather Becomes a Health Risk
A heatwave is a period of significantly higher than normal air temperatures in a region, lasting for several consecutive days. There is no universally accepted temperature threshold, as each country has different climate characteristics, so the definition of a heatwave is tailored to local conditions.
For example, temperatures considered extreme in a temperate country might not necessarily be categorized as a heatwave in a tropical country. Therefore, meteorological agencies in each country have their own thresholds for determining a heatwave.
The heatwave phenomenon is influenced by various factors, ranging from changes in weather patterns, high air pressure that persists for a long time, high air humidity, to the impact of global climate change which increases the frequency and intensity of extreme temperatures.
Besides air temperature, humidity also plays a crucial role. When the air is humid, sweat has difficulty evaporating, making it difficult for the body to cool itself. As a result, body temperature can rise more rapidly even when a person isn't engaging in strenuous activity.
What Happens to the Body When Exposed to Heatwaves?
The human body has a natural system for maintaining a stable temperature, namely through sweat production and dilation of blood vessels on the skin's surface. Both of these mechanisms help release heat to maintain a normal body temperature.
When a person is exposed to very high environmental temperatures for a prolonged period, these mechanisms can become less effective. When accompanied by high humidity, sweat evaporation is inhibited, making it more difficult for heat to escape from the body.
As a result, the body loses large amounts of fluids and electrolytes through sweat. This condition can lead to dehydration, increase the workload on the heart, and impair the function of various organs. If body temperature continues to rise without treatment, the risk of heat-related disorders such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases.
Heatwave Impacts to Watch Out For
Exposure to the heatwave phenomenon can cause various health problems with varying degrees of severity.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is the most common consequence of fluid loss through sweat. Symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth and lips
- Urine is darker in color
- The body feels weak
- Dizziness or headache
2. Heat Cramps
Loss of fluids and electrolytes can also cause muscle cramps, or heat cramps . Heat cramps occur in the legs, arms, or abdomen after physical activity in hot environments.
3. Heat Exhaustion
If heat exposure continues, a person can experience heat exhaustion . Symptoms include:
- The body feels very weak
- Excessive sweating
- Skin feels cool and damp
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizzy
- Increased heart rate
4. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when body temperature reaches around 40°C or above. In this condition, the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature normally.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Very high body temperature
- Impaired consciousness or confusion
- Seizures
- Skin feels hot
- Can stop sweating even though the body is very hot
Without immediate treatment, heat stroke can cause organ damage and even be life-threatening.
5. Worsens Chronic Diseases
In people with certain diseases, the heatwave phenomenon can worsen existing conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic lung disease
Extreme heat can increase heart function, cause fluid imbalances in the body, and worsen symptoms of pre-existing illnesses.
Who Needs to Be More Alert During a Heatwave?
While anyone can experience the effects of a heat wave, some groups are at higher risk of complications:
- Babies and children because the ability to regulate body temperature is not yet fully developed.
- Elderly because the body's cooling mechanism tends to decline with age.
- Pregnant women are more susceptible to dehydration and increased body temperature.
- People with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disorders, are more likely to experience complications in very hot weather.
- People who work or exercise outdoors for long periods of time are more exposed to direct sunlight.
How to Protect Your Body from the Impact of Heatwaves
Here are ways to protect your body from the heatwave phenomenon :
- Drink water regularly without waiting for thirst as a sign that the body is starting to lack fluids.
- Limit strenuous physical activity outdoors, especially during the day and evening when temperatures are highest.
- Wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing to help your body release heat more easily.
- Rest in a shady or air-conditioned place if you start to feel hot.
- Use sunscreen and head protection when doing outdoor activities.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and limit excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages as they can accelerate fluid loss in some people.
- Pay attention to weather forecast information and extreme temperature warnings to adjust your daily activities.
When Should You See a Doctor for Heatwave Symptoms?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a very high temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or if you feel very hot but are unable to sweat. These conditions can indicate heat stroke , which requires immediate emergency treatment.
See a doctor if you experience persistent vomiting, symptoms of dehydration that don't improve with fluids, or if you feel dizzy, weak, or have a racing heartbeat. Elderly people, infants, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor immediately if they experience symptoms after exposure to high temperatures.
Article written by: Dr. Triyono, M.Ked (PD), Sp.PD, FINASIM – Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Hospital, Tangerang.