Learn Why People with Chronic Illness Face Higher Heat Risks—And What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Common advice like staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and seeking shade can help, but extreme heat poses serious risks, especially for those managing chronic illness in hot weather. Even well-controlled conditions can worsen during heat waves, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. Understanding how extreme heat affects chronic illness is essential to staying safe this summer.
Why Are People with Chronic Illnesses More Vulnerable in Extreme Heat?
More than half of adults in the U.S. have a chronic illness. Chronic conditions often come with delicate symptoms that require careful and consistent management to avoid flare-ups. Unfortunately, extreme heat can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and function normally, worsening existing symptoms and even lead to dangerous complications from heat-related illnesses.
Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability in those with chronic medical conditions:
- Reduced heat sensitivity: Some individuals may not feel the effects of overheating until it’s too late.
- Medication interactions: Certain medications can interfere with the body’s ability to stay cool or hydrated.
- Impaired thermoregulation: Conditions like obesity, heart disease, or neurological disorders can reduce the body’s ability to manage temperature effectively.
Common Chronic Conditions Affected by Heat
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. This forces the heart to work harder, potentially putting those with heart disease or high blood pressure at increased risk for complications.
2. Diabetes
Extreme heat can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Dehydration, a common heat-related illness, can further complicate diabetes management by affecting insulin sensitivity and altering how medications are absorbed. This increases the risk of both high and low blood sugar episodes.
3. Arthritis
For many with arthritis, hot and humid weather can trigger flare-ups and cause increased and extreme inflammation, joint pain and stiffness, making mobility and comfort a challenge.
4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Heat can significantly intensify MS symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and vision disturbances.
5. Mental Health Conditions
Extreme heat can intensify symptoms of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. In addition, certain psychiatric medications can impair the body’s ability to cool itself or suppress the sensation of thirst, making it harder to stay hydrated and recognize the early signs of heat-related illness.
6. Respiratory Illnesses
Chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma can worsen in extreme heat. High temperatures may irritate the airways, increase inflammation, and make breathing more difficult, potentially triggering asthma attacks or episodes of shortness of breath.
Tips to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave
If you have a chronic illness, it’s important to take precautions during periods of extreme heat:
- Stay indoors with air conditioning whenever possible
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Wear light, breathable clothing and avoid strenuous activity
- Seek shade and take frequent breaks if you must be outside
Beat The Heat This Summer with Cabot Emergency Hospital
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or nausea, don’t wait. Seek medical attention immediately. Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for those with chronic illnesses.
At Cabot Emergency Hospital, we’re open 24/7, including holidays, to provide fast, expert care. Whether you need immediate treatment or support managing symptoms, our dedicated medical team is here to help you recover quickly and safely and help you back to enjoying your summer fun.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Cabot Emergency Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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