![["Structure Reference Image","Structure Reference Image","Reference Image","Generated image"]](https://images.admiralcloud.com/v3/deliverEmbed/905089a2-b997-4f51-904b-2e1d5f153617/image/cropperjsfocus/1920/534/0,0,1920,1097,0,1,1/960,548.4999999999999?poc=true "Heat – when temperatures become a problem. Hitze – wenn die Temperaturen zum Problem werden.")
Heat – When Temperatures Impacts Health
Driven by climate change, heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and prolonged in Germany. Especially for older adults, children, and people with pre-existing conditions, extreme heat can pose a health risk.
Driven by climate change, heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and prolonged in Germany. Especially for older adults, children, and people with pre-existing conditions, extreme heat can pose a health risk.
In 2023, the temperature averaged 2.3 degrees Celsius above the mean temperature during the reference period from 1961 to 1990, according to the German Weather Service.
In 2023, the temperature averaged 2.3 degrees Celsius above the mean temperature during the reference period from 1961 to 1990, according to the German Weather Service.
These developments also impact our health: The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the climate crisis as “the greatest threat to human health".
For people with pre-existing conditions, heat can quickly become a health problem. Additionally, individuals over 65, those in need of care, infants, toddlers, and outdoor workers are part of the at-risk group.
Heat and Diabetes
In people with diabetes, heat often diminishes thirst, leading to dehydration and consequently elevated blood sugar levels. Disturbances in fluid balance can result in metabolic decompensation and further worsen the health situation. Moreover, adapting to heat can be more challenging for people with diabetes.
Video: How the human body reacts to heat.
Affected individuals often react slower and weaker to heat. Therefore, it is crucial to drink enough fluids, regularly monitor blood sugar levels, and cool down appropriately. Physiological heat adaptation may be impaired by conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, functioning only to a limited extent: the cause is a reduced activity of sympathetic nerve pathways that regulate sweat glands and blood vessels.
In addition to peripheral nerve damage, severe obesity (adiposity) can worsen heat adaptation.
How to Manage Heat When Having Diabetes
Video: 6 tips for dealing with heat for people with diabetes.
"Heat is also referred to as the 'silent killer."
Dr. Alexandra Schneider, Head of Environmental Risks Research Group at the Institute of Epidemiology at Helmholtz Munich
Effects of Heat and Climate Change on The Human Body
Podcast: Dr. Alexandra Schneider on the effects of heat and climate change on the human body.
Is the environment making us ill?
Podcast: Prof. Dr. Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology at Helmholtz Munich, on environmental factors and their impact on our health.
Heat and Allergies
Adobe Firefly AIFor people suffering from allergic asthma, heatwaves have different effects. While they are not specifically affected by high temperatures, the general rise in temperatures prolongs pollen season across large parts of the year. Already, affected individuals experience pollen season significantly earlier and later in the year, with researchers fearing that pollen season could become year-round in just a few years.
People with eczema also report particularly severe itching on atopic eczema during heatwaves. Since atopic eczema is also considered a gateway for other allergic diseases, the consequences are difficult to assess.
More information on heat and allergies can be found at the Allergy Information Service
Heat and Lung Diseases
Adobe Firefly AIMost bacterial lung diseases are currently treated with antibiotics. Studies have shown that an increase in average temperature also increases antibiotic consumption. The reasons for this are:
Changes in weather conditions such as heat, humidity, and precipitation favor the proliferation of bacteria. Moreover, there are increasing numbers of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This includes Klebsiella pneumoniae – a pathogen of pneumonia. This is particularly critical as there are currently insufficient alternatives to antibiotics available.
"More hot days per year also have consequences for people with respiratory diseases, especially when high temperatures are accompanied by increased air pollution, higher ozone levels, or even more allergens in the air. This irritates the airways and makes breathing more difficult. Patients with bronchitis, asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis may then suffer even more from shortness of breath or heat-induced hyperventilation, which also affects the cardiovascular system. Studies show an increased risk of death during heatwaves in COPD patients of up to 43%, with additional daily morbidity rates between 1 and 9%. This also has consequences for our healthcare system, as these patients need to be treated more frequently in doctor's offices and hospitals during heatwaves."
Dr. Önder Yildirim, Director of the Institute for Lung Health and Immunity and the CPC-M at Helmholtz Munich
More information on heat and allergies can be found at the Lung Information Service
How Our Diet Can Influence Climate Change
Humans are driving climate change and exacerbating its effects through emissions such as CO2 and methane, as well as through the restriction of nature and poor resource management.
Another significant factor is our diet. Therefore, researchers have developed a dietary form that focuses particularly on environmental sustainability. The "Planetary Health Diet" aims to eat balanced and environmentally friendly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
But there are many other ways to contribute to climate action. You can find tips on how to shop for local and seasonal products, as well as other tips and tricks related to climate change on the health platform for children and adolescents clever.gesund
How Do I Protect Myself?
To protect yourself from heatwaves, it is particularly important to recognize a heatwave early. Therefore, the German Weather Service provides heat maps and warns of high temperatures ([link]). Tips for protecting yourself from heat:
- Do errands preferably in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
- Only ventilate the apartment when it's colder outside than inside.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water or unsweetened tea.
- Eat smaller meals several times a day and opt for light foods to avoid additional strain on the body during digestion.
- Consult with your doctor about the heat tolerance of your medications.
- Protect yourself from direct sunlight, use an umbrella if necessary when leaving the house.
- Take care of yourself and others. Take sudden symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness seriously and consult a doctor if necessary.
Latest Update: May 2024
