Global warming is making the world hotter. Temperatures have risen approximately 0.08° C per decade since 1880, but the rate has doubled since 1981. Extreme heat events have become more common as a result of climate change, and natural disasters like hurricanes often leave people without power or air conditioning.

Human bodies are susceptible to the effects of extreme temperatures. If you have suffered adverse effects, you aren’t alone. Here are some health effects of heat.

1. Your Productivity Is Affected

The war over the thermostat in the office might be a joke among your colleagues. It is true, however, that workplace temperature has an impact on overall productivity. Recent research shows that men do well in temperatures below 21°C and women do better between 25° and 27°. You might not be surprised by this gender disparity if you always carry a sweater around with you.

Therefore, the most ideal workplace compromise is to keep your temperature set to the low 20’s. But what if you don’t feel a cool breeze after adjusting the temperature? You may have a frozen unit on your hands. You can thaw it out by adjusting the thermostat to run only the fan to circulate air and defrost it faster. However, the repair center should be contacted as well. Before the next heat wave, you may need to address deeper issues, such as collapsed air ducts or a damaged blower fan.

It is crucial to do so, especially in urban environments. Heat-related illnesses are most common in cities without air conditioning.

2. Heat-related illnesses are at risk

There is no doubt that heat-related illnesses are the most serious effects of heat on your health. There are three types of these:

  • Heat exhaustion

Imagine this illness as your car’s temperature sensor. To avoid worsening your condition, take immediate action if you experience any symptoms. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, weakness, fatigue, pale and moist skin, and fever. Drink cool (not cold) sports drinks to replenish fluids and electrolytes and move to a shaded, cooler spot.

  • Heat cramps

Typically, these cramps occur in the legs. Heat exhaustion may cause them. The same treatment applies, but you should also stretch the cramped area gently.

  • Heat stroke

The most severe heat-related illness. Sweating stops and your skin becomes warm and dry. There is a possibility that you will experience seizures or lose consciousness. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

If milder heat-related illnesses don’t subside within a few minutes, seek medical attention. There is a possibility that you will need IV fluids.

3. It Reduces Air Quality

When temperatures rise, air quality decreases. Particulate matter and ozone concentrations rise with soaring temperatures.

The health effects of breathing contaminated air can be devastating. Death rates increase by 6% on days with high temperatures and 5% on days with high pollution. Combining both conditions increases the chances to 21%. Plan your outdoor activities according to those air quality warnings on your local forecast.

4. It Exacerbates Chronic Disease Symptoms

Extreme temperatures can be harmful to people with chronic illnesses. As frigid temperatures can worsen the pain of people with rheumatoid arthritis, many people look forward to summer. High heat can, however, have adverse effects as well.

Even healthy hearts work harder in high temperatures. People with cardiovascular disease are more likely to feel the strain. COPD patients also struggle. Furthermore, high temperatures can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, which fuel migraines and flare-ups.

5. It Can Affect Pregnancy

Pregnant women are also affected by extreme heat. During pregnancy, heat waves increase the risks of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, uterine bleeding, and cervical problems.

Additionally, heat waves can cause foetal distress and breathing problems at birth for foetuses. There is also an increase in preterm births, and premature babies often have developmental delays that hinder their ability to thrive.

Global warming is causing the world to become hotter. How does this affect human health? You can take proactive measures now to prepare for the next wave of heat by considering the above ways that heat impacts your health.