The Ill Effects on Human Health Due to Heat Wave Conditions - Dr. Jatin Panchal

Abstract

Heat is an important environmental and occupational health hazard, and ‘heat stress’ is the leading cause of weather related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses and increase in the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases. (WHO 2024). Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high-case fatality rate.The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all world regions. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age increased by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021 (Lancet Countdown: Heat-related Mortality. 2023). In India the heat wave months are generally April early June which is dry heat. However, as the monsoon begins to tail of, another heat wave in September-October often hits many parts of India especially south-central, and coastal regions.

To undertand how high heat affects the human body, The Indian Practitioner interacted with Dr. Jatin Panchal, MD, General Medicine who explains in detail.