Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu states that extreme heat can cause vital consequences by disrupting the balance of our body. Pointing out that the body temperature increases due to the increase in humidity and temperature in the environment, Dr. Süleymanoğlu said, “The body temperature of a healthy person is kept constant at 36.5-37 C in every environment. The body works continuously to keep this level constant, regardless of the external environment. If the outdoor environment is hot, it provides this balance by sweating. But this is tiring for the body. It requires the right nutrients and fluids for extra energy. Although metabolism tries to keep the body temperature in balance thanks to sweating, it causes mineral and salt loss. If the mineral and salt deficiencies excreted through sweat are not eliminated, this leads to other problems.” said.
Dr. Süleymanoğlu said, “Those with chronic diseases; Stating that the elderly, heart failure, chronic kidney failure, hypertension, diabetes and COPD patients are in the risk group, “These people may not be able to keep their body temperature in balance with the sweating mechanism and may be exposed to serious problems. Moreover, if the humidity rate increases and the perspiration rate increases, these balances will be disrupted more quickly.” says.
In addition, Dr. Stating that there are serious changes in the mechanism of action of drugs used in chronic diseases such as insulin, blood sugar lowering, blood pressure drugs, diuretic. Süleymanoğlu said, “For example, the dose of insulin, which stabilizes blood sugar in winter, is much more effective in hot weather and can significantly lower blood sugar. Blood pressure disease, which is kept in balance in the winter, can cause vital problems due to salt loss, even if the same dose of medication is used in the summer. said.
Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu listed the groups most affected by extreme heat as follows: “Old individuals living uncontrollably, young children, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients in need of care, those with respiratory diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes, COPD or asthma, those with kidney failure, cardiovascular patients, cancer patients. , pregnant women and obese.” In addition, the salt, mineral, acid-base balance may change due to the medications used by those with psychological problems such as depression, manic illnesses, anxiety and anxiety.
Summer flu, pharyngitis, throat, tonsil and sinusitis diseases are more common due to the sudden increase in temperature in summer and the sudden change of hot and cold environment. Try to take measures to keep your body temperature balanced against these diseases. Also, consider that these diseases can be transmitted through air and contact, so be careful not to be with patients in closed spaces. Even if these diseases are transmitted, immunity plays a very important role in the body's fight. For this, take care to eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, and take foods containing vitamin C.
One of the most common problems in the summer is the factors that cause diarrhea. The heat also affects our body and therefore our intestinal system. In hot weather, the flora in the intestinal tract undergoes certain changes; A certain part of this flora becomes aggressive depending on nutritional habits or drugs, these strains strengthened by air change attack the intestinal system. After all; It manifests itself as nausea, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea. This can also be caused by microbes in food. Hot weather quickly leads to the growth of harmful microbes in certain foods such as fish, chicken, eggs, mayonnaise, cheese, ice cream and ice. Ingestion of these foods can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Considering the risks that may occur, it is necessary to give importance to nutrition with clean and safe food. In summer, your first rule in nutrition should be hygiene.
Pointing out that those who will travel should take probiotic support at the end of spring to prevent traveler's diarrhea, they should strengthen their intestinal flora. Yaser Süleymanoğlu states that these people should pay attention to food hygiene in the places they travel and prefer closed water instead of open water. In addition, ice molds produced with clean water, not tap water, should be consumed.
Sunstroke can occur if you stay in the hot sun for long hours. Although it is not noticed in the first minutes, due to the sudden development of edema in the brain due to the increase in body temperature; There may be attacks of fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting and fainting. This can lead to life-threatening consequences for those with chronic diseases, the elderly and children. For this reason, light colors or white colors should be preferred in summer, clothes that do not sweat and keep the body cool should be worn, umbrellas and hats should be used when necessary.
It can cause serious health problems, especially in patients who use anti-edematous drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants, blood pressure, insulin and diabetes medications. Normally, patients using these drugs may develop water and salt loss, especially sodium and potassium loss. Salt loss is also the cause of critical problems in children and the elderly. In the first stage of salt loss, personality disorder, drowsiness, hallucinations, disorientation, blood pressure, sugar variability, heart rhythm disorder can be seen. In order to take precaution, the kidney functions, blood sugar, salt balance should be checked before the extreme temperatures are suppressed. He should consume summer fruits that contain water, salt and minerals. In addition, foods containing protein help in balancing the body temperature.
Dr. Yaser Süleymanoğlu emphasized that air conditioners can cause muscle stiffness, colds, and most importantly, pulmonary pneumonia due to air conditioners, and said: Therefore, considering that air conditioners contain a certain amount of bacteria, pay attention to cleaning the filters of your air conditioner frequently. It will be extremely beneficial to keep the room temperature at a reasonable level while the air conditioner is running and to ventilate the room during the day.”
Although people are more energetic in the summer, some people feel sluggish for no apparent reason and tend to sleep more than usual. These people may develop symptoms of general fatigue. If you want to sleep more, often feel tired and weak, beware! These symptoms may be related not only to the effect of heat but also to summer depression. Better consult a professional.
If you are taking medication for pre-existing anxiety and depression, you may be affected differently by these drugs in extreme temperatures. If you feel a difference despite the medication, do not forget to consult your specialist.
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