“The record heat that will hit Italy from today, with several cities that until Friday 21 June will see the column rise above 40 degrees, 12 above the climatological norm, represents a serious danger to health, especially for more fragile subjects such as elderly people, children and citizens with pre-existing pathologies”. This is the warning from the experts of the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (Sima), who among “the repercussions of the sudden rise in temperatures” on the body also indicate “possible damage to vital organs and the brain”, and remind us how to defend ourselves.
“Excessive heat causes health problems as it can alter the body temperature regulation system – Sima president Alessandro Miani explains in a note – The human body cools down through sweating, but in certain environmental conditions this is not sufficient: a excessive humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, with body heat increasing rapidly and can damage vital organs and the brain. Excessively high temperatures can cause mild ailments such as cramps, fainting, edema, but also serious problems, from congestion to dehydration. worsening the health conditions of people with pre-existing chronic pathologies”.
Specialists list the most frequent heat-related ailments. “Sunstroke: causes erythema or burns, also accompanied by symptoms similar to heat stroke; cramps: physical pain caused by a loss of sodium due to sweating and a consequent modification of the water-salt balance; edema: caused by a retention of liquids in the lower limbs, as a consequence of prolonged peripheral vasodilation; congestion: caused by the intake of iced drinks in an overheated body, the symptoms of which are sweating and chest pain: the main symptoms are thirst, weakness, dizziness , palpitations, anxiety, dry skin and mucous membranes, muscle cramps, lowering of blood pressure; heat stroke: occurs when the physiological capacity for thermoregulation is compromised and manifests itself with a wide range of signs and symptoms, depending on the severity of the condition The first symptom is represented by a sudden general malaise, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of dizziness, leading to states of anxiety and confusion.”
These are Sima’s practical tips: “Avoid exposing yourself to heat and direct sun and leave the house only during the coolest hours; ensure adequate air exchange in the house and facilitate natural ventilation; keep the rooms cool by screening the windows exposed to the sun (using shutters, curtains, etc.); close windows during the day and open them during the cooler hours of the day (in the evening and at night);
Again: “Take at least 1.5-3 liters of water during the day, avoid alcohol and prefer foods that contain a lot of water, such as fruit and vegetables; when you leave the house, protect your eyes with sunglasses and prevent sunburn with creams sunscreens with a high protective factor; wear clothes made of natural fibers (linen or cotton) and breathable clothing, preferably light-coloured; avoid outdoor sports during the hottest hours”.
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