Excessive Heat Affects Health

With the arrival of summer and high temperatures, excessive heat becomes a concern. Besides discomfort, it can bring a series of impacts on breathing, sleep, and the overall functioning of the body.

The pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Jessica Polese, states that extra care is needed, especially for those with respiratory problems.

“Intense heat directly affects the quality of the air we breathe. There is a higher concentration of pollutants and suspended particles in the air, especially in urban areas. This can irritate the airways, worsen asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung problems, as well as trigger pre-existing allergies,” explains the specialist.

Jessica warns of the need for heightened attention, hydration, and a healthy diet to preserve immunity. “Adequate hydration is essential to help keep the airways moist,” she asserts. Dryness of the airways can worsen allergic crises and colds that occur more frequently with the use of air conditioning during this period. “For those who are allergic, it is necessary to use humidifiers or damp towels to alleviate these effects, and especially to keep an eye on the cleaning of these devices,” the doctor warns.

Speaking of air conditioning - with extreme heat - to achieve quality sleep, the appliance is essential and has saved the nights of many individuals. “Excessive heat significantly interferes with sleep quality. High temperatures make it difficult to sleep at night; people sweat, feel uncomfortable, irritable, and insomnia or frequent awakenings occur,” points out Jessica. The use of air conditioning increases, and thus the care already mentioned for a good night's sleep is also important in daily routines.

Excessive heat affects not only breathing and sleep but can also compromise health in general, causing dehydration, which impairs the functioning of the lungs, kidneys, and heart; heat fatigue, with symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and headaches.

Additionally, at-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, are more vulnerable to complications arising from heat.