Extreme temperatures can lead to deadly outcomes.
Relentless heat surges around the globe pose detrimental health implications for numerous individuals. These extreme conditions can trigger respiratory issues or even precipitate premature births, and the likelihood of experiencing a stroke becomes heightened during heatwaves. Medical professionals are demanding urgent legislation addressing heat protection concerns.
In response to the sweltering temperatures in Berlin, Dr. Oliver Opatz from Charité Berlin advises the use of fans over wet handkerchiefs for relief. During his experiences in Africa, when night temperatures remain at 35 degrees, he prefers to jump in a shower before retiring to bed, dresses in linen clothing, and places damp clothes in his sleeping area. Dr. Opatz is seasoned in researching human responses to extreme environments, such as space, mines, and deserts, through his work at the Charité Institute of Physiology.
There may not be African conditions in Berlin yet, but as per Dr. Opatz, the effects of climate change on human health are becoming increasingly noticeable – as seen in hot summers at the Charité's emergency room. Heat often exacerbates existing health issues, including heart-circulatory problems, kidney diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly affecting elderly smokers.
Breathing gets harder
COPD patients face narrowed airways and typically expect subpar air intake. "When it's excessively hot, the circulatory system labors while breathing becomes increasingly labored for individuals, their organs receive less oxygen, and overall performance decreases," Doctor Opatz explains.
Similarly, kidney disease can manifest with disturbed fluid intake due to excessive or insufficient hydration. This can worsen the ailment. In the case of heart-circulatory issues such as heart failure, the heart may struggle to supply all organs with sufficient blood during heat.
Higher stroke risk
As per the German Neurological Society (DGN), heat escalates the risk for neurological diseases. A research paper published in the "European Heart Journal" by German neurologists reported that increased night-time heat contributed to a significant rise in stroke risk. Both the incidences of ischemic strokes, the most common type, and fatalities have escalated.
Another heat-related condition, as per the DGN, is delirium, a disorientation state prevalent in older age due to dehydration, often overlooked in senior citizens. This scenario can lead to severe consequences like falls, potentially resulting in fractures.
The health issues affect the vulnerable, "The elderly face a significant problem," says Opatz. It's not about age in years but rather about biological age. "One is old when the body's performance capability significantly decreases. This can occur for some at 60, for others at 70, 80 years. But a 40-year-old can also be struggling as if they are on the verge of a breakdown," explains the doctor.
For those with chronic neurological diseases, heatwaves pose a significant challenge and may negatively impact their health condition, according to DGN experts. They cite migraines, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries as examples. People with spinal cord injuries and paralysis not only face mobility limitations but also struggle with body temperature regulation.
Medication requirements differ in heat
Oliver Opatz often encounters cases of medication dosages not being adjusted for the heat during his work as a notary. "We are frequently consulted for individuals who have lost their balance. Their legs have swollen, their hearts no longer pump efficiently, and they struggle to breathe," says Opatz. Ideally, medication and hydration should be regularly coordinated with a family physician. However, this is challenging due to the doctor shortage, as reported by the doctor who also practices in rural Brandenburg. Apps under development for smartphones might help patients solve this issue temporarily.
Apart from physical complications, heat poses numerous psychological challenges for people. "It's concerning when it doesn't cool down at night, and people can't rest and relax," says Opatz. This activates the part of the autonomic nervous system, promoting a fight-or-flight mode, thinning patience, increasing conflicts, and leading to violent outbursts.
Premature births increase during heatwaves
Experts warn about the consequences of summer heat stress, particularly for pregnant women. "For every extreme heat day and each degree increase, the likelihood of premature birth rises by 20%," explains Petra Arck from Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital (UKE). A study based on data from over 42,000 pregnant women spanning 20 years demonstrated that heat stress at 30 degrees elevated the relative risk of premature birth by 20%. Several hot days could help mothers cope initially, but consecutive scorching days without relief can lead to labor pains.
By the year 2023, according to a report by the Robert Koch Institute, about two to three heatwaves occur yearly in Germany. Depending on global warming's speed, this number could escalate to four or six heatwaves per year by the end of the century. The German Weather Service (DWD) defines a heatwave as a sequence of three or more days with abnormally high temperatures.
Healthcare professionals in Germany are pushing for stricter adherence to heat action plans starting June, as Martin Herrmann, chairman of the German Alliance Climate Change and Health (KLUG), warns that the threat is escalating alarmingly, and current preparations are insufficient. "The risks associated with heat are so severe that voluntary measures alone won't cut it," Herrmann emphasizes, "We need legislation."
As per statistics from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), over 3200 deaths in Germany last year were attributable to extreme heat.
