How Extreme Temperatures Affect The Human Body
Exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to serious health consequences and even death. These climatic environments usually occur in temperate countries, especially in winter and summer.
The ideal body temperature is around 36-37 degrees C. Anything above 40.5 is hyperthermia and hypothermia is anything below 35. Extreme temperatures can lead to one of the conditions quite quickly.
Want to know a little more about the subject?
We have written today’s article to answer some common questions about it.
Can the body withstand extreme temperature changes?
Humans have many biological mechanisms for temperature regulation. These are complemented by our conscious ability to make items and clothing designed to prevent heat loss or gain, depending on the circumstances.
For example, there is heat evaporation in hot weather, and thus the blood vessels on the surface of the body expand to lose fluid in the form of sweat. The opposite occurs when it is cold, the distribution of blood flow is directed at the vital organs.
How does the body react to extreme heat?
This is an unfavorable climatic condition where temperatures reached can have serious health consequences if they persist. In fact, the temperature varies from region to region. This is why the adaptation mechanisms depend on the environment a person lives in.
It is extremely hot when the temperature stays about 10 degrees above the average upper limit for a given area. Of course, these conditions must be stable for a few weeks.
Symptoms of exposure to extreme temperatures and reactions
Some of the most important clinical manifestations during a heat wave are:
- Muscle and abdominal pain and headache
- Abundant sweating
- Fatigue and fainting
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
Know that many of these symptoms are the natural consequence of dehydration. Furthermore, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible if they occur.
Ways to regulate and prevent it
Follow several recommendations to avoid health damage when faced with the possibility of a heat wave. The most basic thing you can do is install an air conditioner and fans, which may require an unexpected financial investment.
It is also recommended to buy or manufacture deflectors if the place has many windows. You can easily make some with cardboard and aluminum foil.
Drinking plenty of water and wearing loose-fitting clothing are basic measures to maintain body temperature both indoors and outdoors. Find public places with air conditioning or immediate medical attention in case of any of the above symptoms if you need to go out.
Risk groups
Both the elderly and children are more prone to medical complications from extreme temperatures. People with chronic diseases, especially those with heart and kidney diseases, should also take greater precautions.
How does the body react to extreme cold?
The definition of extreme cold is the opposite of extreme heat. It usually occurs in temperate climates and in connection with some winter storms.
Symptoms of exposure to extreme temperatures and reactions
The main clinical manifestations of hazardous exposure to extreme cold are:
- Chills and muscle cramps
- Prickling
- A reduced state of consciousness
- Color change in extremities
All of these symptoms, especially the last two, imply the need for evaluation at the nearest emergency department.
Ways to regulate and prevent it
Just like what happens with heat waves, in most cases you can prevent the negative effects of extreme cold. Just follow these recommendations:
- Do not go out unless you really, really have to
- Have the necessary tools to remove snow from the surroundings
- Wear several layers of clothing, including protection for hands, feet, ears, neck and head
- Obtain and install a heating system well in advance
- Establish a contingency plan to go to a health center in an emergency
- Store enough canned in case of power failure
Risk groups
Those in the upper and lower age groups and people with chronic diseases are also more exposed to the effects of a cold wave. People with reduced mobility should avoid leaving the house all the more because of possible obstacles caused by snowfall.
It never hurts to be aware of extreme temperatures
Exposure to extreme temperatures requires thousands of lives each year – even more than natural disasters. Most developed countries with temperate climates have government strategies aimed at reducing deaths from this cause.
Call your local Red Cross in an emergency and contact a doctor if you are in doubt about any of this.
